Tips to beating the heat

Staying cool

• Stay inside in air conditioning as much as possible. Even a few hours in air conditioning will allow your body to cool.
• If you have no air-conditioning, keep windows open to allow air to flow through your house. Heat builds up in a closed building.
• Drink plenty of nonalcoholic, noncaffeinated fluids, especially water. Drinks such as coffee, tea or colas can cause dehydration, as can alcoholic beverages.
• Place ice wrapped in a wet towel against your neck, underarms or groin area.
• Wear loose clothing, use a high-SPF sunscreen and avoid strenuous activity outdoors during the hottest part of the day, generally 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• People who must work or exercise outdoors should take frequent breaks in the shade.

Signs of heat exhaustion

• Headache, dizziness or irritability.
• Heavy sweating.
• Nausea or vomiting
• Cool, moist, pale or flushed skin.
• Body temperature slightly elevated.
• To treat heat exhaustion, take the person into an air-conditioned room, remove or loosen tight clothing and apply cool, wet cloths, give cool water to drink in small, regular doses and monitor carefully.

Signs of heat stroke

• Difficulty breathing.
• Hot, red, dry skin.
• Racing pulse, strong at first then weak.
• Body temperature of up to 104 degrees or above.
• To treat heat stroke, call 911 for immediate medical help. Move the person to a cool place, preferably indoors. Immerse the person in a cool bath or wrap wet sheets around the body and fan it. Watch for breathing problems, keep the person lying down and cool the body.

Saving money on utilities

• Set the thermostat as high as possible to be comfortable. The recommended summer setting is 78 degrees. Constantly changing the thermostat setting can waste energy and money.
• Keep appliances that give off heat, such as lamps, away from the thermostat.
• Install a programmable thermostat on central air conditioners or a timer on room air conditioners.
• Keep filters clean and clean the coils on an air conditioner.
• Use exhaust fans in the bathroom, laundry and kitchen when necessary.
• Plant shade trees or put a wood shade-screen over air conditioners to keep direct sunlight off the unit.

Sources: American Red Cross, Cape Girardeau County Health Department, AmerenUE.