Be On Alert For Heat Stroke

With Thursday's temperatures climbing to near 100 degrees F or more, many people may be at risk for heat exhaustion and/or heat stroke.

Cook County Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management Executive Director Michael Masters said, "A few hours spent in cool conditions can prevent dehydration and other heat-related illnesses." 

The county, and other sources, advised:

• Stay out of the sun during the hottest part of the day.
• If you get over-heated, take a cooling shower or bath.
• Never leave children or pets in a locked car, even with the window partially open, and when you are out and about, keep and eye out for children and pets in locked cars.
• If your home is not air conditioned, spend at least two hours a day in cool conditions (a list of local places follows).
• Drink water regularly, even if you are not thirsty.
• Avoid exertion during the hottest part of the day. 
• Check on elderly or homebound neighbors to see if they need help.

Signs of heat exhaustion, according to the Mayo Clinic, include: 

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• Feeling faint or dizzy
• Nausea
• Heavy sweating
• Rapid, weak heartbeat
• Low blood pressure
• Cool, moist, pale skin
• Low-grade fever
• Heat cramps
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Dark-colored urine

To treat, get the person into the shade or air conditioning, have them drink cool water or other non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated beverage, have them lay down with their feet slightly elevated, loosen any tight clothing, and monitor so it does not turn into the life-threatening condition of heat stroke.

Heat stroke, which is dangerous, includes those symptoms plus confusion, irritability or personality changes, unconsciousness, a markedly elevated body temperature and a cessation of sweating. Immediately call 911 and, until help arrives, take the same steps to treat heat exhaustion.

Here's where to go locally to cool off:

• has early morning and late evening hours.
• Maine Township Building, 1700 Ballard Road, Park Ridge
• Park Ridge Library
• Park Ridge Park District and Centennial Pool, 100 S. Western, Park Ridge
• Niles Township, 5255 Main Street, Skokie
• Northfield Township, 3801 W. Lake Ave., Glenview

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