Virginia Beach Department of Emergency Medical Services Issues Warnings to Avoid Heat-Related Health Problems

Symptoms may include one or more:

• High body temperature (103°F or higher).
• Hot, red, dry or damp skin.
• Cold, pale and clammy skin.
• Fast, strong pulse.
• Headache.
• Feeling dizzy.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Muscle cramps.
• Feeling confused, tired or weak.
• Losing consciousness (fainting).

Here are some tips to help keep you, your family and neighbors safe:

• Stay hydrated (do not drink alcoholic beverages).
• Take breaks in the shade or seek rest in an air conditioned building.
• Use cooling methods such as: wet towels, cold compresses, etc.
• Check on those who may be without air conditioning – especially those living alone.
• Use sun block to avoid sunburn.
• Wear foot protection as very hot sand, concrete and parking lots could burn feet.
• NEVER leave children or pets unattended in a vehicle.

Heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke if not corrected.

Heat stroke is a serious life-threatening medical emergency (call 911 immediately).

Call 911 if you, or someone you are with, suffers heat-related symptoms.

Information from the Centers for Disease Control:

• Preventing Heat-Related Illness | Extreme Heat | CDC     
• Symptoms of Heat-Related Illnesses | Extreme Heat | CDC