Experts on how to stay safe in extreme heat

LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) — Warm days are great for outdoor sports and festivals in the Great Lakes State, but experts say when heat and humidity become excessive, it can create a deadly environment.

The CDC reports that although heat-related deaths are preventable, 1,220 people in the United States die each year from extreme heat.

Heatstroke and heat exhaustion increase in excessive heat, such as this coming week.

The state public health agency says high humidity levels (compounded by high temperatures), as we expect in mid-Michigan this week, create a risk factor for heat-related death and illness.

The U.S. government offers these tips to prepare for this week’s extreme heat:

• Learn to recognize the signs of heat illness.
• Don’t count on a fan as the main cooling device. Fans make you more comfortable, but they do not reduce body temperature or prevent heat-related illness.
• Identify places in your community where you can cool off, such as libraries and shopping malls, or contact your local health department to find a cooling center in your area.
• Cover the windows with curtains or blinds.
• Weather stripping Doors and windows.
• Use Window Reflectors specially designed to reflect heat outwards.
• Add insulation to keep the heat out.
• Use a motorized attic fanor attic fan, to regulate heat by exhausting hot air.
• Install Window Air Conditioners and insulate around them.
• If you can’t afford cooling costscontact the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program for assistance.

Some other factors that increase the risk of heat-related illness include obesity, fever, dehydration, prescription drug use, heart disease, mental illness, poor circulation, sunburn, and consumption of alcohol.

The elderly, infants and young children, sick people, as well as pregnant people, outdoor workers, people without air conditioning and athletes may also be at particular risk.

Weather.gov has the following additional tips for you and your family during a heat wave:

• To slow down
• Dress for summer
• Eat light
• Drink plenty of water (not very cold)
• Use air conditioners
• Use portable electric fans
• Minimize direct sun exposure
• Do not take salt tablets
• Pay attention to infants, the elderly, sick or frail people and pets

Perhaps most importantly: 33 children have died in 2022 after being left in a hot car, so absolutely never do this. And remember to keep your car locked in your driveway:

“Children play in cars or walk outside, get in a car and can die in 10 minutes! » reported the National Weather Service.

It is never safe to leave a child, a disabled person or a pet locked in a car, in any season.