TALLAHASSEE, FLA. - When a holiday weekend comes around, you can expect to find most people by the pool or maybe grilling out with the family. Those are all things we love to do that could put us in a dangerous situation. When temperatures reach extreme levels, things can quickly become deadly.
For people in Florida, we expect things to heat up for Summer. However, when temperatures start to hit the triple digits, that fun outside can quickly burn out.
"Heat stroke would probably be the most severe but you could have a heat stress emergency or heat exhaustion, "said Jason Pittinger, the Staff Captain for the Tallahassee Fire Department. "There's different levels. You can get all the way down to a heat stroke and then you might need some medical care."
In its latest reporting, the CDC says there were more than 7,000 heat related deaths from 1999 to 2010. So it's important that we're all taking steps to keep us out of the danger zone. While most people know to drink water, many are unaware of when to take a sip.
"If you wait too long and you get thirsty, you're going to have a lot longer time trying to get re-hydrated," said Pettinger.
As tempting as a glass of lemonade might sound; sugar, caffeine, and sodas are more likely to speed up the dehydration process. Once that process is in motion, you'll probably start to feel increased respiration, increased pulse rate, dry mouth, and you might notice your urine is darker than normal. These are all signs of heat related emergencies.
Time outside is fine but you don't want to push it.
"It's gonna be per individual how long they can stay in that heat but its not gonna be long," said Pittinger.
If you are with someone who is dealing with a heat related illness call 911.
Then move them inside or in the shade and try to cool them down with a cold wet towel or with an ice bath.
