DC Heat Advisory Guidelines
As area residents welcomed summer, the National Weather Service issued a heat advisory for much of the DC metro area. According to the agency, during a heat advisory, high temperatures and high humidity combine to create a situation in which heat-related illnesses are possible. They recommend that people in an area affected by a heat advisory, “drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors.”
The District of Columbia Dept. of Homeland Security and Emergency Management offers these safety tips for beating the heat of summer:
· “Keep cool - Spend as much time as you can in cooler surroundings, such as an air-conditioned shopping mall, senior center, public library or movie.
· Use an air-conditioner or fan - Air conditioning can provide life saving relief from heat stress, especially if you have a medical condition like heart disease. Fans can draw cool air into your home at night or help provide good indoor air circulation during the day.
· Baths and showers - Cool baths or showers (with water temperature around 75° F) provide amazing relief from the heat 25 times faster than cool air.
· Clothing - Wear as little as possible when you are home. Lightweight, light colored, loose fitting clothing is more comfortable in hot weather. Cotton and other natural fabrics are very comfortable. Wear a hat or use a parasol or umbrella to protect your head and neck when you are outdoors.
· Drink often - In hot weather, your body needs more water. Don't wait until you are thirsty, because your body needs more fluid than thirst will indicate. By the time you feel thirsty, you may already be dangerously low on water. Drink often and in reasonable amounts. Don't try to drink a lot of coffee or tea. They are all right in moderation, but water is your best bet. If you have a disease, a medical condition or a problem with body water balance, check with your doctor for advice on how much water you should drink in hot weather.
· Slow down - Take it easy, especially at the start of hot weather when your body is less prepared for the heat. Physical activity produces body heat.
· Watch what you eat and monitor salt intake - Avoid hot foods and heavy meals. They add heat to your body. Try using your stove less. Cook your meals during the cooler part of the day. Check with your doctor before you increase the amount of salt or potassium in your diet. Do not take "salt tablets" without your doctor's permission.
· Avoid alcohol - Alcohol interferes with your body's fight against heat stress. It can put a strain on your heart.
· Apply sunscreen to your skin before going out in the sun.”
The District also implements a Heat Emergency Plan when the heat index reaches 95 degrees, features of which include the distribution of free fans to special needs populations, the activation of street showers, the opening of cooling centers, and the extension of hours at public swimming pools. For more information specifically regarding the distribution of free fans, contact DC Energy Office Hotline, at (202) 673-6750.