EAST LANSING, Mich. —With temperatures expected to exceed 90 degrees over the course of several days this week, the City of East Lansing encourages residents to keep the following safety tips in mind. These tips were adapted from the American Red Cross:
1.) Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids.
2.) Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
3.) Slow down, stay indoors when possible and avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day.
4.) Take frequent breaks if working outside and use a buddy system when working in excessive heat.
5.) Never leave children or pets alone in enclosed vehicles.
6.) If living in a home without air conditioning, consider visiting places with air conditioning during the warmest part of the day for relief. Community members are welcome to visit the East Lansing Public Library, 950 Abbot Road, and the East Lansing Hannah Community Center, 819 Abbot Road, during regular business hours. The East Lansing Family Aquatic Center, 6400 Abbot Road, is another great option.
7.) Check on family, friends and neighbors who do not have air conditioning, who spend much of their time alone or who are more likely to be affected by the heat, such as the elderly. ELPD is also available to perform wellness checks by request. To request a wellness check, call (517) 351-4220, Opt. 1.
8.) Recognize and care for heat-related emergencies:
-- Heat cramps are muscular pains and spasms that usually occur in the legs or abdomen. Heat cramps are often an early sign that the body is having trouble with the heat.
-- Heat exhaustion typically involves the loss of body fluids through heavy sweating. Signs of heat exhaustion include cool, moist, pale or flushed skin; heavy sweating; nausea; dizziness; weakness; and exhaustion. A person suffering from heat exhaustion should be moved to a cooler place, where tight clothing should be loosened or removed and wet cloths/towels should be applied to the skin. The person should also be given small amounts of cold water to drink slowly. If the person refuses water, vomits or begins to lose consciousness, call 911.
-- Heat stroke is a life-threatening condition and, if it occurs, 911 should be called immediately. Heat stroke occurs when a person’s temperature control system stops working and the body is unable to cool itself. Signs of heat stroke include hot, red skin which may be dry or moist; changes in consciousness; vomiting; and high body temperature. A person with heat stroke should be moved to a cooler place, where their body should be quickly cooled by following the same care tips as heat exhaustion. If needed, continue rapid cooling by applying ice or cold packs wrapped in a cloth to the wrists, ankles, groin, neck and armpits.
Find additional heat wave safety information from the American Red Cross at www.redcross.org/get-help/prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/heat-wave-safety.