The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) urges residents to take precautions during the upcoming extreme heat wave. According to the National Weather Service, Delaware will face higher temperatures and extreme heat conditions in the coming days.

While conditions such as those expected across the state in the next few days pose a risk for individuals of all ages and health status, certain populations are at greater risk for heat-related illnesses and heat impact. DPH offers the following information, education, and resources to assist Delawareans during the current heat wave and those expected to come this summer.

Populations at greater risk of heat-related illnesses and heat impact:

• Infants and children: One of our most vulnerable populations, infants and children, rely on others to care for them and address their needs. They are unable to fully communicate when they are overheated or thirsty/dehydrated and require additional attention during extreme heat.
• Older adults: Those 65+ often cannot adjust to sudden temperature changes as well as younger individuals, and in some cases, this is due to their medications or current health conditions. Extra precautions should be taken and assistance from family members is even more important during extreme heat.
• Pregnant individuals: Pregnancy can make you more likely to get sick from the heat because the body has to work harder to cool down both you and the baby. Additionally, hydration is especially important for pregnant individuals as you are more likely to become dehydrated more quickly.
• Pets: Fully dependent on their human best friends for their care, pets are just as vulnerable to extreme heat. Animals at the greatest risk of stress from the heat include pregnant or lactating animals, very young and older animals, animals with darker coats, obese pets, short-nosed dog breeds and animals with chronic health conditions. It is best to bring pets indoors and provide plenty of water.

Additionally, those who work outside, individuals with chronic health conditions, and anyone unable to obtain shelter in a cool, well-ventilated place are at greater risk of heat-related illnesses. If you know someone in any of these vulnerable populations, be sure to check on them frequently and offer assistance where possible.

General tips to prevent heat-related illness:

Stay as cool as possible.

• Try to find an air-conditioned place, if possible, to help keep your body temperature at the right level. If you do not have an air-conditioned residence, locate a local cooling station or visit a public place such as a mall or library.
• Wear the appropriate clothing. Choose lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
• Use your stove or oven less to keep your home temperature down and avoid hot and heavy meals which add heat to your body.

Avoid outdoor activities or plan accordingly.

• If you have the option to avoid outdoor activity or limit it, do so.
• If you must be outside for work or other activities, try to limit time outdoors to the coolest parts of the day. Pace yourself and protect your body from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher applied 30 minutes prior to going out and reapplied as appropriate.
• Practice caution when walking dogs. If you must walk them, the best time of day in the summer months is in the early morning or late evening when the sun’s heat is not as intense. A simple touch of your hand to any surface where a walk is planned will tell if it’s too hot for a dog. If it’s too hot for a human hand, it’s too hot for a dog’s paws.

Drink plenty of fluids.

• Stay hydrated with water and avoid sugary and alcoholic beverages.
• Drink more than you typically would, regardless of how active you are, and do not wait until you are thirsty to drink.
• Avoid drinking very cold liquids which could cause stomach cramps.
• If your doctor limits how much fluids you drink or you are on medications where fluids are restricted, contact the doctor to determine what is best for you during extreme heat.

Do not leave children, pets, or anyone else in a parked car.

• Even if the windows are cracked, the temperature in a car can rise to a dangerous level very quickly.
• When exiting a vehicle, double check the back seat to ensure that no sleeping child or pet is left behind.

The CDC offers a heat and health tracker to determine the conditions for your specific area and the National Weather Service has a website to identify the potential heat risk for your area over a seven-day period.

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