Extreme Heat
Excessive or extreme heat can be dangerous to many, including those 65 years or older—especially those living alone—children, persons with pre-existing disease conditions, outdoor workers, and the homeless. Please check on elderly relatives and neighbors living alone during the period of extreme heat, and don't leave children or pets in the car for any amount of time.
Extreme heat can cause:
- Hyperventilation
- Heat rash
- Heat cramps
- Heat exhaustion
- Swelling
- Fainting
- Heat Stroke
- Death
What You Can Do
Keep Cool
If your home is hot, visit air-conditioned places. Anoka County Libraries offer a cool respite during regular business hours. Click here to find a library closest to you and its hours of operation. Other facilities such as malls and government facilities are also great alternatives to an overly warm house. Wear light, loose-fitting clothes. Use fans but only until the temperatures the high 90s as blowing air that is higher than your body temperature can increase heat stress. Avoid exercising between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Take a cool shower or bath.
If you're heading to Bunker Beach or another park to cool off, be sure to bring plenty of water and stay in the shade as much as possible. Try to find an air-conditioned building to give yourself a break during the day.
Keep Hydrated
Drink plenty of fluids all day—especially water. Don't wait until you're thirsty unless advised by your doctor to reduce fluid intake. Avoid drinks with alcohol, sugar, and caffeine. Very cold drinks can also lead to stomach cramps.
Keep Informed
Listen or watch the news for the weather forecast and adjust outdoor plans if possible. Know the symptoms of heat-related illnesses and what to watch for and necessary action steps.
For more information about extreme heat events, including signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke in multiple languages, please visit the Minnesota Department of Health's (MDH) Extreme Heat Events webpage.
Source: Minnesota Department of Health