Henrico Health Officials Offer Cooling Shelters

With hundred-degree temperatures becoming an everyday thing, Henrico County’s Health Department has some tips that can help everybody, and some assistance for county residents. Charles Fishburne reports.

Another day, you should be aware of the signs of heat-related illnesses.

Pannell: Cramping, fatigue, dizziness, and fainting.

Henrico Emergency Planner Kevin Pannell

Pannell: Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are medical emergencies and people are advised to call 911 and seek immediate attention.

But before that happens…

Pannell: A good way to prevent it is to drink two to four glasses of cool fluids each hour, usually water or sports drink. If you have to work outside drink fruit juice or sports beverages.

And among the worst possible things you can do…

Pannell: Never leave children or pets in vehicles with closed windows, even momentarily. Temperatures quickly can reach 150 degrees which can result in heat stroke and even death.

People especially at risk include small children, seniors and people with chronic medical conditions not in an air-conditioned environment…but he says anybody can be affected by severe heat.

Charles Fishburne, WCVE News.

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