The Lincoln County Health Department offers the following safety tips for beating the heat this summer, focusing on prevention, protection, and intervention.
Stay hydrated. Drink a lot of water. Avoid alcoholic beverages, coffee, tea, and sodas.
Avoid going outside in extreme heat. Limit outside activity to early morning or late evening.
Wear sunscreen. Sunburn affects your body’s ability to cool down and can make you dehydrated.
If you don’t have air conditioning, keep shades drawn and blinds closed, but windows slightly open.
Keep lights off or turned down.
Limit the use of the stove.
Wear lightweight, loose, light-colored clothing.
Take cool baths and showers.
Don’t leave anyone, including pets, in a parked car–even for a few minutes.
Check up on family, friends, and neighbors during extreme heat. If you are unable to reach them, call 911 and request a well-being check.