Stay Safe in the Heat: Tips form the Oak Lawn Fire Department

Heat exhaustion results when too much time is spent in a very warm environment, resulting in excessive sweating without adequate water and electrolyte (salt and minerals) replacement.  This can occur either indoors or outdoors, with or without exercise.   The very young, and elderly are the most vulnerable.  

The symptoms of heat exhaustion may include dizziness, headache, nausea, abdominal cramps, shallow breathing, cool and clammy skin, muscle tremors and heavy perspiration.

A person suffering from heat exhaustion should be moved to an air-conditioned environment if possible.  If outside, move the person to a shady spot.  Loosen the person's clothing and encourage him or her to drink cool, non- alcoholic, decaffeinated beverages and keep the person quiet.  

It may be necessary to seek medical attention if symptoms worsen or last longer than one hour.  Especially those people who have medical problems.   If left untreated, heat exhaustion may progress to heatstroke.      

Heatstroke occurs when the body becomes unable to control its temperature: the body's temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails.  If sweating fails, the body is unable to cool down.  Body temperature may rise to 106 degrees or higher within 10 to 15 minutes.  Heatstroke can result from overexposure to direct sunlight, with or without physical activity, or to very high indoor temperatures. It can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not given.  The symptoms of heatstroke include an extremely high body temperature (above 103 degrees, orally); red, hot and dry skin; rapid pulse; throbbing headache; dizziness; nausea; confusion; and unconsciousness.

To avoid heat exhaustion and/or heat stroke, try to keep cool during extremely hot weather. Stay in a cool environment (preferably air conditioned), drink plenty of fluids such as water, fruit juices or fruit drinks.  If you must do activities outside, plan them before noon and in the evening.  If you are active, plan to rest more frequently than you normally do.

Cooling centers are listed on the Village of Oak Lawn’s website.  If residents have additional questions about heat emergencies, please don’t hesitate to contact the Village of Oak Lawn Fire & Rescue Department’s Emergency Medical Services Bureau at 708-499-7700

-Provided by the Oak Lawn Fire Department