Hot Weather Tips

HAVE A PLAN FOR HOT WEATHER

1. Make a plan that includes ways to contact one another and check on relatives who live alone.  Know where to take shelter.                        
2. Prepare an emergency kit with water, a battery-powered radio, non perishable foods and first aid supplies. 
3. Listen for information about what to do and where to go during an emergency.

Other Tips:

• Stay in the coolest place available. If outdoors stay in the shade.  If indoors use an air conditioner if possible.  
• When temperatures are above 95º F, go to air-conditioned public places if you don’t have air conditioning at home, even if you don’t feel overly hot.  
• Drink plenty of cool water.  Avoid alcohol and caffeine.  
• Eat light. Limit cooking to keep indoor temperatures lower. 
• Dress in loose fitting, lightweight and light-colored clothing.  Wear a hat to protect your head from the sun. 
• Bathe or shower frequently using cool water. 
• Limit activity in the middle of the day when temperatures are hottest. 
• Do not increase salt or potassium intake without consulting your MD.  
• Check all medications with your pharmacist for increased risk of heat related illness.                                       
• If you feel unusually weak, dizzy, or confused, call your MD or 911. 
• Check on elderly or chronically ill relatives, neighbors, and friends.

 

Summer Safety for Pets

• Provide plenty of shade for outdoor animals. 
• Provide fresh cool water daily for outdoor animals. 
• Never leave animals alone in a vehicle. 
• Watch for coolant leaking from your vehicle - drinking just a small amount can cause death. 
• Do not force your animal to exercise after a meal in hot, humid weather and limit exercise to early morning or evening hours. 
• Never leave your pet standing on asphalt surfaces. 
• Pets can get sunburned too, and your pet may require sunscreen on the nose and ear tips.

 HELPFUL CONTACT INFORMATION

St. Louis United Way Referral Hotline…2-1-1or 1-800-427-4626 from a cell phone for cooling sites & other heat-related problems.

Cool Down St. Louis………..241-7668

Homebound seniors meals……….612-5918

Housing Resource Center…………802-5444

Citizen’s Service Bureau………….622-4800  for removal of debris, requests for assistance from City agencies, or complaints.

Operation Weather Survival www.crh.noaa.gov/lsx/?n=ows