Ahead of next week’s potentially dangerous heatwave, Summit County Public Health is encouraging Akron residents to prepare now to avoid heat illness.
Heat-related illness can affect anyone, but the elderly and those with chronic health conditions are at higher risk than others, a Summit County Public Health press release said.
Staying healthy next week will mean remaining hydrated, staying in air-conditioned areas, limiting heat exposure and seeking medical care if symptoms of a heat-related illness arise.
In response to the projected forecast, the City of Akron has extended hours at the Summit Lake Community Center Tuesday, June 30 through Thursday, July 2 serve as a cooling center for residents in need, according to a press release.
How to stay safe during a heatwave
Summit County Public Health offered these extra tips to staying safe during a heatwave:
Cooling center activated in Akron
The Summit Lake Community Center at 380 W. Crosier St. will be open between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. next Tuesday through Thursday to serve as a cooling center.
All other City of Akron community centers will be open during their normal business hours.
The city will continue to monitor temperatures and will extend community center hours as necessary, according to a press release.
Residents can sign up to receive updated information alerts through the city’s CodeRED notification system.
Heat-related illnesses and their warning signs
Heatstroke is a life-threatening condition and occurs when the body overheats and cannot cool down, according to the Cleveland Clinic. It causes reduced blood flow and damage to vital organs.
Symptoms include confusion, weakness, dizziness or fainting, low blood pressure and more. Anyone experiencing symptoms should call 911 immediately and cool their body down. They should not drink any fluids to avoid accidentally inhaling the liquid.
Heat exhaustion also occurs when the body struggles to cool itself down, and it can turn into heatstroke. Symptoms include heavy sweating, muscle cramps, dizziness, feeling tired or weak or a fast heart rate.
Those experiencing heat exhaustion symptoms should seek immediate medical attention.
Heat cramps are painful muscle spasms that happen when the body gets too hot. They are a mild form of heat illness and a sign of heat exhaustion. Heat cramps can lead to heat exhaustion or heatstroke if one remains in a hot environment or doesn’t replenish lost electrolytes.
Getting out of the heat, applying something cold to cramping muscles and consuming a snack or sports drink are all ways to relieve pain from heat cramps.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: How to avoid, treat heat-related illness during next week’s heatwave
Reporting by Lauren Cohen, Akron Beacon Journal / Akron Beacon Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Lauren Cohen, Akron Beacon Journal | USA TODAY Network
