The American Red Cross is urging Florida Keys residents to take precautions as extreme heat continues to pose health and safety risks across the region.
Pete Suarez, a volunteer for the American Red Cross of South Florida, joined Good Morning Keys on Keys Talk 96.9/102.5FM this morning to talk about the heat.
Staying hydrated, limiting time outdoors and recognizing the warning signs of heat-related illness are so important.
Suarez said residents should drink plenty of fluids, use sunscreen, wear light-colored clothing and slow down during the hottest part of the day. Outdoor activities should be postponed when possible if they would take place during periods of extreme heat.
He cautioned, however, that not all beverages are equally effective for hydration.
“Liquids that contain caffeine and/or alcohol are not really recommended,” Suarez said. “They tend to dehydrate you.”
Heat-related illnesses can develop quickly, and people may not realize they are in danger until symptoms become serious.
Heat exhaustion can include heavy sweating and a rapid pulse, while heat stroke can cause confusion, disorientation and an inability to speak or function normally.
Suarez said he recently experienced the effects of heat himself when he became woozy and had to sit down, hydrate and take a break.
“It can creep up on you. That’s the bad thing about it,” he said.
Anyone who suspects someone is experiencing heat stroke should call 911 immediately. While waiting for emergency assistance, efforts should be made to cool the person, including using cold towels on the head and back of the neck.
Suarez said extreme cases may require immersing the person in cold water up to the neck, but emphasized that emergency medical assistance should be sought immediately.
Heat safety is particularly important for children, older adults, pets and anyone who may be vulnerable to high temperatures.
Suarez also warned against leaving anyone inside a parked vehicle, even for a short period of time.
“Whether it’s a baby or a younger person, whether it’s a pet, it can be a problem, and it can become ill to the point of death,” he said.
Preparedness is an important part of avoiding heat-related emergencies, just as it is with hurricanes, flooding and other disasters.
He also encouraged Florida Keys residents to consider volunteering with the American Red Cross.
Volunteers perform approximately 90% of the organization’s humanitarian work, including assisting residents during disasters and operating shelters.
Suarez serves on the Red Cross Disaster Action Team and has worked in shelters during emergencies. He said larger shelters typically have nurses available, and local fire rescue personnel may also be stationed at major shelters.
He encouraged residents interested in helping others to consider becoming a Red Cross volunteer, saying even a few hours of training can prepare people to assist with disaster relief.
“Help yourself by helping others, and you’re going to learn a lot about stuff — not just hurricanes, but heat stroke and all the heat-related problems,” Suarez said.
The Red Cross also offers a variety of training and educational programs, including CPR, first aid, basic life support, swimming, lifeguarding, water safety, babysitting and child care.
For more information, click here: https://www.redcross.org/local/florida/south-florida.html