How to stay safe in Montana's summer heat

From DPHHS

It’s that time of year again to get outside and enjoy Montana’s beautiful summer. But with that comes some precautions to consider. Montana can get very hot and dry so take measures to keep cool, remain hydrated and stay informed.

Getting too hot can cause sickness. According to Department of Public Health and Human Services statistics, from 2010 to 2013, hot weather in the summer months caused 390 emergency department visits due to hyperthermia in Montana.

“Heat-related illnesses are preventable and taking steps to stay cool, hydrated and informed about the risks can prevent serious health conditions like heat exhaustion or heat stroke,” said DPHHS Injury Prevention Coordinator Jeremy Brokaw.

DPHHS offers these tips to help all Montanans enjoy a safe summer:

Sun exposure

Stay in the shade, especially during midday hours — 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wear clothing to protect exposed skin and wear a hat with a wide brim to shade the face, head, ears and neck. Drink plenty of fluids. Remember to wear sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays.

Use sunscreen, SPF 15 or higher, and look for “blocks UVA and UVB” or “broad spectrum” on the label. Apply liberally — a minimum of 1 oz. — at least 20 minutes before sun exposure, and apply to all exposed skin. Remember to apply to ears, scalp, lips, neck, tops of feet and backs of hands. Reapply at least every two hours and each time you get out of the water or sweat heavily.

Make summer safe for kids

Swimming is a great option in the summer for kids to cool off and engage in physical activity. Always supervise children around water.

Enjoy activities inside when days are very hot and limit exposure to mornings and evenings when temps are cooler.

Never leave children unattended in a turned off vehicle, even if windows are cracked open. There is no safe amount of time to leave a child in a car. Even on what may seem like a cool day, a car’s temperature can increase 30 to 40 degrees in just a few minutes. On average, 38 children die nationally each year in hot cars from heat related death.

Warning signs of

heat-related illness

• Heavy sweating; weakness; cold, pale, and clammy skin; fast, weak pulse; nausea or vomiting; and fainting are signs of heat exhaustion

• High body temperature — more than 103 degrees F; hot, red, dry or moist skin; rapid and strong pulse; and possible unconsciousness are signs of heat stroke

Preventing heat-related

illness

• Drink plenty of non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated, non-sugar fluids

• Move to a cooler location out of the sun on very hot days, in air-conditioned locations if possible

• Wear lightweight, light colored and loose fitting clothes

• Use cool compresses on muscle cramps

Pets

Summer months can be very uncomfortable, even dangerous, for pets.

As with children, never leave pets in a parked car. On a warm day, temperatures inside a vehicle can rise rapidly to dangerous levels. On an 85-degree day, for example, the temperature inside a car with the windows opened slightly can reach 102 degrees within 10 minutes. After 30 minutes, the temperature can reach 120 degrees. Pets may suffer irreversible organ damage or death.