With temperatures reaching into the high 90’s, the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office would like to offer the following hot weather safety tips. Summer is a fun and enjoyable time of the year but with the hot temperatures you should take precautions to help stay cool and hydrated. Extreme heat and high humidity can slow down evaporation and force the body to work extra hard to maintain a normal temperature, potentially leading to heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. Keep yourself and others healthy and safe with the following tips:
- Avoid strenuous activity on hot days. • Drink plenty of water. Even if you do not feel thirsty, stay hydrated. • Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, and light-colored clothing. Light colors reflect sunlight and help maintain normal body temperature. • Protect your face with a wide-brimmed hat. • Too much sun is harmful. Use sunscreen with a high SPF rating when outdoors. • Go indoors to beat the heat, such as air-conditioned community centers, shopping malls, libraries, or the movie theater. • Use electric fans to cool you down, even if they do not cool the air. • Cover windows that receive morning/afternoon sun with drapes, shades, or awnings. Outdoor awnings can reduce the heat that enters a home by up to 80%. • Check on family, friends, and neighbors to make sure that they are safe. • Never leave children or pets alone in a closed vehicle. • Do not leave pets outside for extended periods, be sure they have shade and give them plenty of water to drink.