Published: 6/23/2022

THE TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH REMINDS THE PUBLIC TO BE CAUTIOUS DURING THIS EXTENDED PERIOD OF HIGH HEAT AND HUMIDITY. THEY URGE TENNESSEANS TO FOLLOW IMPORTANT SAFETY TIPS TO AVOID HEAT-RELATED ILLNESSES. IT’S IMPORTANT TO DRINK PLENTY OF WATER AND AVOID BEING OUTSIDE DURING THE HOTTEST PART OF THE DAY, BUT IT’S ALSO IMPORTANT TO KNOW AND WATCH FOR THE SIGNS OF HEAT EXHAUSTION OR HEAT STROKE. HEAT-RELATED ILLNESS INCLUDES HEAT EXHAUSTION WHICH CAUSES HEAVY SWEATING, PALENESS, MUSCLE CRAMPS, WEAKNESS AND NAUSEA OR VOMITING. THE MOST SERIOUS HEAT-RELATED ILLNESS IS HEAT STROKE. HEAT STROKE SYMPTOMS INCLUDE RED, DRY SKIN, RAPID PULSE, DIZZINESS, NAUSEA AND CONFUSION. STEPS TO AVOID HEAT-RELATED ILLNESS INCLUDE : STAYING HYDRATED BY DRINKING PLENTY OF WATER, AVOIDING ALCOHOL AND CARBONATED DRINKS, TAKING PLENTY OF BREAKS, MOVING TO A COOL PLACE, WEARING LIGHT, LOOSE FITTING CLOTHING, USING SUNSCREEN, AND BY SEEKING MEDICAL ATTENTION IF EXPERIENCING SYMPTOMS. ANOTHER MAJOR CONCERN DURING HOT WEATHER IS CHILD AND PET SAFETY. DO NOT LEAVE A CHILD IN A HOT CAR WHERE THEY CAN QUICKLY BECOME OVERHEATED RISKING SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. AS A REMINDER: LOOK BEFORE YOU LOCK, CONSIDERING PLACING ITEMS LIKE PURSE, CELL PHONE, ETC. IN THE BACKSEAT WITH YOUR CHILD, AND ALWAYS DOUBLE CHECK!