06/05/2026
Staying Safe in the Heat:
Brought to you by your friends at Roanoke Valley Insurance of Ahoskie.
When summer temperatures rise, outdoor fun, yard work, community events, and family travel can quickly turn dangerous if we do not take heat seriously. Extreme heat is more than uncomfortable. It can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and other serious health problems. The good news is that most heat-related illnesses can be prevented with a little planning and common sense. One of the most important things to remember is that heat affects everyone differently. Older adults, young children, people with heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, breathing problems, and those taking certain medications may be at greater risk. Outdoor workers, athletes, farmers, landscapers, and anyone spending long hours in the sun should also be extra careful. Even healthy people can get sick from heat when temperatures and humidity are high.
The first step is staying hydrated. Drink water throughout the day, even before you feel thirsty. Thirst is often a sign that your body is already getting low on fluids. If you are sweating heavily, working outside, or exercising, you may need more fluids than usual. Try to limit alcohol and too many sugary drinks, because they can make dehydration worse. Sports drinks may help replace salt and minerals during heavy sweating, but water should still be your main choice. Clothing also matters. Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothes when possible. A wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses can help protect you from direct sunlight. Sunscreen is important too, because sunburn makes it harder for your body to cool itself. Reapply sunscreen as directed, especially after sweating or swimming.
Try to plan outdoor activities for the cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or evening. If you must be outside during the hottest hours, take frequent breaks in the shade or in an air-conditioned place. Pace yourself. Heat illness often happens when people push too hard and ignore early warning signs. Know the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat exhaustion may include heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea, muscle cramps, cool or clammy skin, and a fast pulse. If these symptoms appear, move to a cooler place, loosen clothing, sip water, and use cool cloths or a cool shower to bring the body temperature down.
Heat stroke is a medical emergency. Warning signs can include confusion, slurred speech, fainting, seizures, very high body temperature, hot skin, or loss of consciousness. Call 911 immediately if heat stroke is suspected. While waiting for help, move the person to a cooler place and begin cooling them with wet cloths, fans, ice packs, or cool water. Do not wait to see if they “feel better.” Summer should be a season of cookouts, ball games, fishing trips, festivals, and family memories. By drinking water, taking breaks, dressing properly, watching for warning signs, and looking out for one another, we can enjoy the warm weather while staying safe!
