Governor Rell Issues Heat Advisory and Announces 800 Number

Urges Special Attention for Elderly and Pets

              As Connecticut endures dangerous heat and humidity under an “excessive heat watch,” Governor M. Jodi Rell today issued a special advisory aimed at the elderly, young children and those with respiratory conditions. She also released a series of tips and suggestions for coping with the heat and for pet care during the ongoing heat wave.

              Governor Rell said the state will activate a toll-free phone number Tuesday morning for residents needing heat-related assistance. The number is 1-800-830-9426. As always, in the event of a medical emergency, citizens should call 9-1-1, the Governor said.

              Governor Rell directed the Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (DEMHS) to reach out to local emergency management directors and verify that evacuation and other contingency plans are in place, especially at nursing homes and other residential facilities. At the Governor’s direction, DEMHS will also encourage local mayors and first selectmen to establish “cooling centers,” such as at movie theaters and senior centers, and keep them open as late as possible.

              The Governor said that the American Red Cross in Connecticut is also working with local communities to prepare to open “cooling centers” as needed. One was opened over the weekend in Norwich to assist numerous residents who had lost power.

              The temperature is expected to be well into the 90s and may top 100 by Wednesday, according to Connecticut forecasters and the state Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security. In addition overnight lows in the larger urban centers may not fall below 80 degrees Tuesday night and Wednesday night presenting a continued danger for those without air conditioning or proper ventilation.

• HEAT STROKE is the most serious heat-related illness and is accompanied by hot, dry skin; shallow breathing; a rapid, weak pulse; and confusion.  Heat stroke occurs when a person's body temperature exceeds 105 degrees Fahrenheit and could render the victim unconscious.

Health officials advise that if you believe that someone has heat stroke, call for emergency medical treatment or have the person taken to the hospital immediately.  While waiting for emergency personnel, move the victim to a cool area out of direct sunlight; sponge bathe with cool water; and fan.  If possible, relocate the person to an air-conditioned room.

• HEAT EXHAUSTION is characterized by heavy sweating, weakness and cold, pale, clammy skin.  There may also be fainting and vomiting.  If someone appears to be suffering from heat exhaustion, they should be moved to a cool area out of direct sunlight, sponge bathed with cool water and fanned.  Also, give sips of water to the individual every 15 minutes for one hour.
• HEAT CRAMPS are characterized by painful spasms, usually in muscles of the legs and abdomen and by heavy sweating.  To relieve heat cramps, apply firm pressure on cramping muscles or gently massage the muscles.  As in the case of heat exhaustion, give sips of water every 15 minutes for one hour.

Regarding pets, Governor Rell said:

• Never leave pets in a car or other enclosed area for any period of time.
• Pets should be kept indoors during excessive heat.
• If keeping a pet outside, be sure that pets have adequate shelter from the sun and plenty of water at all times.
• Check on pets frequently and looks for signs of stress (panting, lethargic movement etc.).

“Fortunately, we know the current heat wave will ‘break’ soon, but it is smart to be ready with plans for any contingency,” Governor Rell said. “By taking precautions, we can get through the current hot spell, and the rest of the summer.”

Temperatures over the next few days in Connecticut are expected to reach 100 and even higher.  Even healthy people can be impacted by high temperatures, so it is important that everyone take precautions when it is hot. 

Here are some prevention tips to stay healthy in the summertime heat:

• Know the signs and symptoms of heat stroke, heat stress, and heat cramps.  These are described below. 
• Have the phone number of your family doctor clearly posted next to your phone (and stored in your cellular phone).

• Drink more fluids (nonalcoholic), regardless of your activity level.  Don’t wait until you are thirsty to drink.  Warning: If your doctor generally limits the amount of fluid you drink or has you on water pills, ask him/her how much you should drink while the weather is hot.

• Don’t drink liquids that contain caffeine, alcohol, or large amounts of sugar–these actually cause you to lose more body fluid.  Also, avoid very cold drinks, because they can cause stomach cramps.

• Stay indoors and, if at all possible, stay in an air-conditioned place.  If your home does not have air conditioning, go to the movies, shopping mall, public library, or a friend’s house/apartment with air conditioning–even a few hours spent in an air conditioned environment can help your body stay cooler when you go back into the heat. 

• Electric fans may provide comfort, but when the temperature is in the high 90s, fans will not prevent heat-related illness.  Taking a cool shower or bath, or moving to an air-conditioned place is a much better way to cool off.

• Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.

• NEVER leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle.

• Although any one at any time can suffer from heat-related illness, some people are at greater risk than others.  Check regularly on:
  
• Infants and young children
• People aged 65 or older
• People who have a mental illness
• Those who are physically ill, especially with heart disease or high blood pressure

Visit adults at risk at least twice a day and closely watch them for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.  Infants and young children need much more frequent watching.

• If you must be out in the heat, limit your outdoor activity to early morning and evening hours.  Cut down on exercise.  If you must exercise, drink two to four glasses of cool, nonalcoholic fluids each hour.  A sports beverage can replace the salt and minerals you lose in sweat.  Warning: If you are on a low-salt diet, talk with your doctor before drinking a sports beverage. 

• Try to rest often in shady areas

• Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat (also keeps you cooler) and sunglasses and by putting on sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher (the most effective products say “UVA/UVB protection” on their labels).

It is important to become familiar with the signs and symptoms of heat stroke, heat stress, and heat cramps, and to have an action plan so that you will know what to do if you see these signs and symptoms.

• HEAT STROKE is the most serious heat-related illness and is accompanied by hot, dry skin; shallow breathing; a rapid, weak pulse; and confusion.  Heat stroke occurs when a person's body temperature exceeds 105 degrees Fahrenheit and could render the victim unconscious.

Health officials advise that if you believe that someone has heat stroke, call for emergency medical treatment or have the person taken to the hospital immediately.  While waiting for emergency personnel, move the victim to a cool area out of direct sunlight; sponge bathe with cool water; and fan.  If possible, relocate the person to an air-conditioned room.

• HEAT EXHAUSTION is characterized by heavy sweating, weakness and cold, pale, clammy skin.  There may also be fainting and vomiting.  If someone appears to be suffering from heat exhaustion, they should be moved to a cool area out of direct sunlight, sponge bathed with cool water and fanned.  Also, give sips of water to the individual every 15 minutes for one hour.

• HEAT CRAMPS are characterized by painful spasms, usually in muscles of the legs and abdomen and by heavy sweating.  To relieve heat cramps, apply firm pressure on cramping muscles or gently massage the muscles.  As in the case of heat exhaustion, give sips of water every 15 minutes for one hour.

If you know someone who is at risk because of the heat, have them call their town police or fire department to see if there is a place they can go to stay cool, and to make sure rescue personnel are aware that there may be a problem.

During the day there are public places such as the libraries, senior centers, and shopping malls that offer respite from the heat.