Heat Exhaustion, Hot Cars and Overexposure to Sun Pose Significant Threats
ATLANTA – With dangerously high temperatures forecasted throughout the state for the next several days, The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) is cautioning residents to avoid strenuous outdoor activity and/or prolonged exposure to the sun.
“More people die from heat than from any other weather-related event or natural disaster,” said DPH Commissioner Brenda Fitzgerald, M.D. “We’re sounding the alarm now and we’re sounding it loudly.”
Poor air quality in north Georgia will make the outdoor environment even more hazardous, especially for small children and the elderly, as well as those who work outdoors or those suffering from certain medical conditions. DPH encourages residents to observe important safety guidelines throughout the period of extreme heat:
- Stay indoors, in air-conditioned buildings and avoid direct sunlight
- Never leave a child or person in a parked vehicle – not even for a moment
- Limit outdoor activity when the sun is most dangerous from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Bathe in cool water to reduce body temperature
- Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol or liquids containing caffeine or sugar
- Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing
- Check on at-risk friends, family and neighbors at least twice a day