Newberry County Sheriff issues Heat Safety Tips

COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO) Summer brings hot and humid air, and this July is especially hot here in the Midlands.
If you’re headed outdoors or just trying to beat the heat inside, here are some safety tips from the Newberry County Sheriff’s office.

Hydration is important. While sport drinks help with replenishing vital nutrients lost due to heat, water is your best hydration tool. Avoid soft drinks and alcohol, which can often exacerbate heat related issues. Take breaks often and seek shade or cooler spots out of direct sunlight.

If a home does not have air conditioning, find ways of circulating air through fans. Don’t have fans point directly at your person as this can actually cause drying and further dehydrate. Use the fan to circulate through the room. Also try to intake cool water and use a damp cloth to keep the body temperature down.

Should someone begin to suffer from heat related illness, and hydration and cooling does not work, seek medical attention immediately. Heat related illnesses can lead to other more sever medical complications.

At present Newberry County does not have any cooling stations available, however if someone is at risk or they feel ill from the effects of the heat, we can try to assist in anyway possible.

Sheriff Lee Foster said, while considering ourselves, let us not forget out pets. Animals are prone to heat issues as well. Make sure they have plenty of cool water and shade. While animals aren’t as accustomed to conditioned air as we humans, they still can suffer from heat related illnesses.

The hot temperatures are going to remain with us through most of the week. A cold front is expected next week and can drop temperatures in the 90’s.
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