As temperatures climb across Centre County, here’s how to keep cool and stay safe

As temperatures reach the 90s this week, keeping cool and out of the sun has become a priority. Centre County is expected to reach a high of 94 degrees on Sunday, according to Accuweather, with humidity pushing the heat index higher.

A heatwave has hit most of the continental U.S., with more than 100 million people under heat advisories. State leaders and officials across the country have advised people to stay indoors and out of the extreme heat.

Governor Tom Wolf’s office warned about the dangers high heat can bring, especially to seniors, in a statement released Wednesday.

“Some seniors may not have access to fans, air conditioners or other support options to adequately get through a period of extreme heat, so it’s important that all of us check on our older family members, neighbors, and friends to make sure they stay cool and are managing well,” Robert Torres, Secretary of Aging, said in the release.

Heat related illnesses

Both heat stroke and heat exhaustion can be dangerous in the summer and symptoms can come on very quickly. If untreated, heat exhaustion can turn into heat stroke, which can lead to death. July is the most common month for heat-related deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Heat exhaustion symptoms include heavy sweating, dizziness, fatigue, nausea and headaches. If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms, stop all activity and get somewhere cool. Over the next hour, re-hydrate with water and monitor your symptoms. If they worsen or do not improve seek medical treatment immediately.

Heat stroke is when the body reaches a temperature of 103 degrees and can cause irreparable damage to vital organs. Heat stroke can cause a body’s temperature to rise to 106 degrees in 15 minutes if untreated.

Heat stroke symptoms are more severe than heat exhaustion and include confusion, slurred speech, loss of consciousness, seizures and high body temperature. If you believe someone is suffering from heat stroke, call for emergency services and start cooling the person down.

To cool someone down quickly, wet their skin or clothes with cool water and increase air circulation.

How to keep cool

The most important way to prevent heat-related illnesses is to stay indoors and avoid sun exposure but there are plenty of ways to protect yourself from the heat.

• Drink water frequently, even if you don’t feel thirsty
• Avoid drinks high in sugar, like soda or other soft drinks
• Avoid caffeine and alcohol as they can cause dehydration
• If you do not have air conditioning, stay in rooms with good ventilation or find public spaces like libraries that have air conditioning
• Avoid being outdoors but if you must go outside wear light, loose fitting clothing and hats or sunglasses to protect you from the sun
• Check on people who may be at high risk for heat exhaustion, like children or the elderly
• Never leave pets or people inside vehicles
• Block the sun with curtains or shades while indoors