After a brief time of cooler temperatures, the summer heat is coming back.
Wednesday is supposed to be sunny and hot all day, with temperatures reaching the upper 90s, with a heat index of 105-109 degrees, according to the National Weather Service-Hastings.
Thursday through Sunday, temperatures are expected to be in the lower to mid-90s, and sunny.
For those who work or play outside, there are steps they should take in order to stay cool and avoid heat illnesses.
HEAT ILLNESSES:
• Heat Exhaustion—symptoms include feeling faint or dizzy; excessive sweating; being weak and tired; may have cool, pale, clammy skin; nausea or vomiting; and muscle cramps.
If someone experiences these symptoms, get them water, in shade, and have them rest; stop all strenuous work in the heat; and monitor symptoms.
• Heat Stroke—symptoms may include confusion and/or disorientation; a throbbing headache; may lose consciousness; they’ve stopped sweating; have red, hot, dry skin; nausea or vomiting; and have a body temperature above 103 degrees.
If someone experiences these symptoms, call 911 and take immediate action to cool them down until help arrives.
According to osha.gov/ heat, nearly three out of four fatalities happen at work due to heat illnesses; build a tolerance to heat by increasing intensity by 20 percent each day and easing into work.
Preventing heat illness at work may include resting long enough to recover from the heat; taking breaks in a shady or cool area; wearing a hat and dress for the heat; watch out for each other; verbally checking on workers wearing face coverings; and drinking cool water even if you’re not thirsty. OSHA suggests drinking at least one cup of cool water every 20 minutes.
When it comes to protecting your skin, wear longsleeved, loose shirts, loose pants, and a wide-brimmed hat.
If you’re wearing a baseball cap or short-sleeved shirt and shorts, make sure to apply sunscreen to all exposed areas of skin, including your ears, neck, and arms.
