Red Cross Issues Extreme Heat Safety Tips

Last updated on Thursday, July 21, 2016

(INDIANAPOLIS) - Soaring temperatures along with very high humidity is causing what’s called a ‘heat dome’ over much of the country.

People can download the Red Cross Emergency App (redcross.org/apps) for instant access to extreme heat safety tips and severe weather alerts including heat advisories, watches and warnings for their area and where loved-ones live.

"The Red Cross wants Hoosier residents to know how to deal with the extreme heat," said Duchess Adjei, regional communication director for the Indiana Region of the American Red Cross. "We're also encouraging people to check in on their friends and neighbors who don't have air conditioning or who live alone."

HEAT SAFETY TIPS

Never leave children or pets in a vehicle - even for a few minutes. The inside temperature of a car can quickly reach 120 degrees.
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids throughout the day. Avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine.
Slow down, stay indoors and avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day.
Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing. Avoid dark colors because they absorb the sun's rays.
Use a buddy system if required to work outdoors and take frequent breaks.
Check on animals frequently to ensure that they are not suffering from the heat. Make sure they have plenty of cool water and shade.

If someone doesn't have air conditioning, they should choose public places (shopping malls, libraries, movie theaters) to go to for relief from the heat during the warmest part of the day. People can help conserve energy by running appliances during non-peak hours. Additional tips are located at redcross.org/heatsafety.

The Indiana Region serves 87 Indiana counties consisting of 10 Homeland Security Disaster Districts and six Red Cross chapters: Central Indiana (Indianapolis headquarters), Northern Indiana (South Bend headquarters), Northeast Indiana (Fort Wayne headquarters), Northwest (Merrillville headquarters), Southern Indiana (Evansville headquarters) and West Central Indiana (Terre Haute headquarters). For more information on the Indiana Region: www.redcross.org/local/in. Follow the Indiana Region at www.facebook.com/INRedCross and @INRedCross on Twitter.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

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