Heat Exhaustion, Hot Cars and Overexposure to Sun Pose Significant Threats

During last week's dangerously high temperatures experienced throughout the state, the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) cautioned residents to avoid strenuous outdoor activity and/or prolonged exposure to the sun. In a news release published by print and broadcast news organizations, DPH's commissioner made the danger clear.

"More people die from heat than from any other weather-related event or natural disaster," said DPH Commissioner Brenda Fitzgerald, M.D. "We're sounding the alarm now and we're sounding it loudly."

In addition to news coverage around the state, the department directly warned about 30,000 subscribers of the Ready Georgia mobile app to "stay indoors and limit exposure to the sun." It was the first time DPH triggered a statewide public health alert within the app since the app launched last summer.

Poor air quality in north Georgia made the outdoor environment even more hazardous, especially for small children and the elderly, as well as those who work outdoors or those suffering from certain medical conditions. DPH encouraged residents to observe important safety guidelines throughout the period of extreme heat:

• Stay indoors, in air-conditioned buildings and avoid direct sunlight
• Never leave a child or person in a parked vehicle - not even for a moment
• Limit outdoor activity when the sun is most dangerous from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Bathe in cool water to reduce body temperature
• Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol or liquids containing caffeine or sugar
• Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing
• Check on at-risk friends, family and neighbors at least twice a day

-Story by DPH Communications