In anticipation of the first significant heat wave of the season, with temperatures reaching triple-digit temperatures around most of the region, the U.S. National Weather Service of Spokane has issued an excessive heat warning through Friday, next week. The early to middle part of next week has the potential to threaten records with moderate to major values of Heat Risk. In addition to increased fire risk due to hot and dry conditions, the temperatures pose a health risk to people and pets.
As these temperatures set in, the American Red Cross urges people to take extra precautions to prevent heat-related illness:
Stay Hydrated
• Drink plenty of fluids. Encourage others to drink plenty of fluids, too.
• Replace salt and minerals with snacks or a sports drink.
Stay Cool
• Stay in an air-conditioned place as much as possible.
• If your home does not have air conditioning, designate a cool location for you to go.
• Wear lightweight, loose clothing and take cool showers or baths.
• Limit any outdoor activity. If you must work outdoors, schedule tasks earlier or later in the day.
Check on your friends, family, and neighbors
Anyone can develop heat illness, but people at greater risk are:
• Older adults
• Infants, children, and pregnant women
• People with medical conditions
• Outdoor workers
• People with limited personal resources
• People living in places that lack green spaces
Heat illness can quickly become heat stroke if not treated, so it is important to pay attention to the warning signs and take precautions.
| Heat Illness | What to Look For | What to Do |
| Heat Cramps are muscle spasms caused by a large loss of salt and water in the body. | Heavy sweating with muscle pain or spasms | • Move to a cool place.
• Drink water or a sports drink • Get medical help right away if: – Cramps last longer than 1 hour – Person affected has heart problems |
| Heat Exhaustion is severe and may require emergency medical treatment. | • Heavy sweating
• Cold, pale and clammy skin • Fast, weak pulse • Nausea or vomiting • Muscle cramps • Tiredness or weakness • Dizziness-Headache-Passing out |
• Move to a cool place
• Loosen tight clothing • Cool the body using wet cloths, misting, fanning, or a cool bath • Sip water slowly Get medical help right away if: – Vomiting occurs – Symptoms last longer than 1 hour or get worse – Confusion develops |
| Heat Stroke is deadly and requires immediate emergency treatment. | • High body temperature (104°F or higher)
• Hot, red, dry or damp skin • Fast, strong pulse • Headache-Dizziness • Nausea-Confusion-Passing out |
Call 911 right away, then:
• Move to a cool place • Cool the body using wet cloths, misting, fanning, or a cool bath • Do NOT give the person anything to drink |
Table courtesy of American Red Cross.
