It’s Going to Get Hot, Here’s How to Stay Safe

As Buster Poindexter sings in the classic 1982 song ’He’s feeling, Hot, Hot, Hot’. The song is funny, but the heat is no joke. That's why the last Friday in May is National Heat Awareness Day.

Not sure if you aware, according to the U.S. Climate data, the Grand Junction area averages 88-93 degrees from June through August. Although the humidity level is not at dangerous levels, being at 4,593 feet closer to the sun can definitely heat things up.

Between 1990 and 2010 Colorado reported six fatalities as a result of vehicular heat stroke. You should never leave kids, pets or elderly in a parked vehicle. It takes as little as two minutes for the inside temperature to heat to unsafe levels. Be safe this Colorado summer.

As an avid runner, I have to drink plenty of fluids. But, when I moved here to the Grand Junction area I realized that I'm about 4,000 feet closer to the sun! The first week or so was tough on my body. I needed to hydrate even more. Below are some definite warning signs to watch out for when it comes to Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke:

• Heavy sweating
• Weakness
• Cool, pale, clammy skin
• Fast, weak pulse
• Possible muscle cramps
• Dizziness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Fainting

Plus, here are some immediate things you can do if are with someone who exhibits any of the above signs of Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke.

First Aid:

• Move person to a cooler environment
• Lay person down and loosen clothing
• Apply cool, wet cloths to as much of the body as possible
• Fan or move victim to air-conditioned room
• Offer sips of water
• If a person vomits more than once, seek immediate medical attention.