Heat Alert from the Greenwich Department of Health

Heat Alert from the Greenwich Department of Health

In the next few days, Fairfield County will experience dangerous heat and humidity conditions. The
temperature will reach over 90 degrees with the heat index making it feel around 100 degrees. Because of
this, the Greenwich Department of Health notes that heat-related illnesses are a Public Health threat. All
residents, especially persons who are young, elderly, have medical or mental health conditions, use
medications that impede body temperature regulation, those who do not have air conditioning, those
whose work requires outdoor activities and people who are socially isolated are encouraged to pay special
attention to the weather.

Staying healthy during excessive heat is important. Therefore, these common-sense practices listed below
should be followed along with knowing about heat related illnesses.

• Keep children and pets inside, except for brief stays outdoors. Always avoid direct sunlight
  exposure and give pets plenty of water to drink
• Never leave any person or pet in a parked vehicle even if the windows are open
• Don’t leave food items in the car or outdoors – food spoils quickly
• If you don’t have to go out, stay indoors. Spend time in air-conditioning if possible. Electric fans
  may provide some comfort.
• Avoid strenuous activities as much as possible. Early morning and evening hours are best if you
  must exercise otherwise, take it easy
• Drink plenty of fluids regardless of your activity. Avoid drinks with caffeine, alcohol or those
  with large amounts of sugar and salt. Those who are on a restricted fluid intake should check with
  their physician
• Wear lightweight, light colored and loose-fitting clothing
• Take a cool shower, bath or move into an air-conditioned space to cool off
• Eat light, cool, easy to digest foods
• Rest often in shady areas, especially if you are working outdoors
• Wear a hat and sunglasses and apply sunscreen with UV protection of 15 or higher. Always
  follow the manufacturer’s directions.
• Visit or regularly check on: infants and young children; people over age 65 and frail elderly; & those who have a medical condition (such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, obesity, high blood pressure, liver disease, kidney disease) or mental illness (cognitive and psychiatric disorders)

Medical Conditions Attributable to Excessive Heat Exposure

Knowing the signs and symptoms of a heat-related illness could save your life:

• Heat stroke – Heat stroke is a severe medical emergency. Call for emergency medical assistance
  immediately by dialing 9-1-1. If possible, move the person into a cool or air-conditioned
  environment. Signs of heat stroke may include headache, confusion, nausea, dizziness, high body
  temperature, difficulty breathing, rapid and strong pulse. Skin may be hot and dry or the person
  may be sweating. Reduce body temperature with air-conditioning, fanning, water sponging and
  remove clothing if necessary. Avoid giving fluids.
• Heat exhaustion – This condition will give rise to heavy sweating, weakness and cool, pale
  clammy skin. The person may experience muscle cramps, dizziness, fainting, nausea and
  vomiting. Although body temperature may be normal there will be a weak pulse. Move the
  person out of the sun into a cool environment and apply a cool wet cloth while they are lying
  down. Give sips of water until feeling better, however if vomiting continues, seek immediate
  medical attention.
• Heat cramps – This condition will give rise to painful cramps and muscle spasms in the legs or
  abdomen. Heavy sweating may also be present. Move the person out of the heat into a cool
  environment and gently massage the cramping muscle. Give sips of water unless nausea occurs or
  there are fluid restrictions.

Heat related illness and death can be preventable by knowing the symptoms and risk factors that
contribute to them. Spending a few hours in an air-conditioned location can help your body stay cooler.

Residents can go to the following air-conditioned locations to read, sit quietly and charge their cell phones:

Residents can also visit friends or family members who have air conditioning, visit shopping malls or go
to the movies to cool off. For more information, contact the Greenwich Department of Health by calling 622-7836 or online at www.greenwichct.org

TO REPORT EMERGENCIES ONLY– For all Police, Fire and EMS emergencies, dial 911.
Helplines – Utilities:
Aquarion Water Company 1-800-732-9678
Eversource 1-800-286-2000
CT Natural Gas Company (203) 869-6913
Local Non-Emergency Phone Numbers:
Town of Greenwich – www.greenwichct.org (203) 622-7700

Greenwich Department of Health, Division of Environmental Health (203)-987-1001/622-7838
Greenwich Fire Department non-emergency (203)-622-3950
Greenwich Police Department non-emergency (203)-622-8000
Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Service
– American Medical Response (AMR) 1-800-379-7700
Department of Parks and Recreation Tree Division (203)-622-7824
Greenwich Chapter, American Red Cross (203)-869-3500
Greenwich Department of Human Services ( 203) 622-3800
Connecticut Poison Control 1-800-222-1222