The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory much of eastern Virginia — including the Williamsburg region — from noon to 8 p.m. Monday.
Temperatures in the 90s and high humidity are expected to push the heat index to between 104 and 108 degrees, according the weather service’s Wakefield office.
Anyone spending significant time outdoors tomorrow is susceptible to heat stroke or heat exhaustion, the weather service said.
Use these tips to beat the heat:
- Take frequent breaks, resting in the shade for at least 10 to 20 minutes for every 30 minutes of work or play.
- Drink about a quart of water every hour while working or playing in the heat.
- Be aware children and the elderly are more susceptible to heat.
- Some skin treatments, allergy medicines, psychiatric medicines, antibiotics, vitamins and herbs can also increase vulnerability to heat.
- Never leave children, pets or disabled adults in a parked vehicle.
High heat indices also increase the chances of suffering heat exhaustion or heat stroke, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Use the following symptoms to determine if someone is suffering from heat exhaustion or heat stroke:
Heat exhaustion
- Heavy sweating
- Weakness
- Cool, pale, clammy skin
- Fast, weak pulse
- Possible muscle cramps
- Dizziness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fainting
How to treat
- Move victim to a cooler environment.
- Lay victim down and loosen clothing.
- Apply cool, wet cloths to as much of victim’s body as possible.
- Fan or move victim to an air-conditioned room.
- Offer sips of water.
- If a victim vomits more than once, seek immediate medical attention.
Heat stroke
- Altered mental state
- One or more of the following symptons: throbbing headache, confusion, nausea, dizziness, shallow breathing
- Body temperature above 103° Fahrenheit
- Hot, red, dry or moist skin
- Rapid and strong pulse
- Fainting, loss of consciousness
How to treat
- Heat stroke is a severe medical emergency. Call 911 or get the victim to a hospital immediately. Delays can be fatal.
- Move the victim to a cooler, preferably air-conditioned, environment.
- Reduce victim’s body temperature with cool cloths or bath.
- Use a fan if heat-index temperatures are below the high 90s. A fan can make a person hotter at higher temperatures.
- DO NOT give fluids.
