Heat Advisory issued for South Florida. Here's how to keep your cool
MIAMI - The South Florida sun will be a real scorcher this week and combined with the humidity it could be dangerous.
Miami-Dade, Broward, and Monroe counties are under a Heat Advisory until 7 p.m. Friday.
The National Weather Service issues a Heat Advisory when a heat index of 105° F or higher is expected for at least two hours. Under this advisory, everyone is urged to precautions, especially those who are at most risk such as children, infants, older adults, people with chronic medical conditions, outdoor workers, and pregnant women.
"I encourage all residents to do a Heat Check: drink water, rest, and find shade if you are working or playing outdoors this week," said Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava.
In Hollywood, kids were splashing around in the Driftwood Community pool as the heat index soared. These were the only summer campers in Hollywood who were outside Wednesday, leaving playgrounds and playing fields empty because of the heat.
"On a day like today it's really hot. So we communicate with all the coordinators of the camps to keep the kids indoors, try to get creative with the space. Just be aware of the heat," said Hollywood Parks Manager Linda Rambert.
At the McNichol Recreation Center summer camp is inside. Instead of running around in potentially dangerous heat, kids are chilling in the a/c.
"What do you like about indoors on a day like today," CBS News Miami's Ted Scouten asked. "Having water around, being able to do productive things like play board games and watch tv," said camper Jaylen Moye.
Tyler Costa has a Lawncare business. He and his team get to work before the heat of the day taking care of lawns, but they don't finish until mid-afternoon. That means they really feel it when the heat index soars.
"I tell the guys if you're starting to feel any lightheaded or anything like that get the truck, turn the ac on, safety is number one out there," Costa said.
He also carries a large jug of water on the truck.
Fort Lauderdale fire rescue is urging people to stay hydrated and be aware of warning signs for heat exhaustion like heavy sweating, dizziness, headache and fainting. Or for more serious heat stroke.
"Heat stroke would be again, dizziness, you stop sweating. Your body is basically exhausted all ways of cooling down so you stopped sweating, red skin, can progress into seizures," said Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue Battalion Chief Gregory May.
To avoid trouble, take precautions, he advises. "Dress appropriately, wear the right clothes for whatever you're doing outside. If you're going to exercise do it in the morning or later at night when the sun is either coming up or going down, not in the middle of the day," he said.
Miami-Dade fire rescue warns the vulnerable to be careful. "Those who are most at risk are children under the age of 5, adults over 65, individuals with medical conditions, outdoor workers and those who are pregnant," said Erika Benitez from Miami-Dade Fire Rescue.
People who don't have access to air conditioning are strongly encouraged to seek relief with a friend or family member who has air conditioning or in public air-conditioned facilities such as public libraries, malls, or community centers. Employers with workers exposed to heat are encouraged to provide shaded rest breaks with ample drinking water.
People working, walking or just being outside should remember that heat-related illnesses such as heat stroke can happen quickly.
If you feel lightheaded, confused, weak, or faint, seek medical attention immediately by calling 911. Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day, but avoid those that contain caffeine, high sugar content, and alcohol.
Eat light, cool, easy-to-digest foods such as fruit or salads. If you pack food, put it in a cooler or carry an ice pack. Don't leave it sitting in the sun. Meats and dairy products can spoil quickly in hot weather. Do not take salt tablets unless specified by a physician.
Avoid outdoor activities during the peak hours of the day. Limit outdoor activities to the early morning or evening hours.
If you must be outdoors, slow down, take breaks in a shaded or cool area, and drink cool fluids every hour.
Wear clothing that is lightweight, light-colored, and loose-fitting. If you're outside, wear a hat and sunscreen to protect your face and scalp from harmful UV rays.
Do not leave children or pets in cars. If you have pets, bring them indoors. If they need to remain outdoors, make sure they have access to a cool, shaded area with plenty of water. For dog owners wanting to take their four legged friends for a walk, it's important to remember the seven-second rule. Place your hand on the concrete for seven seconds. If it's too hot for you, it's too hot for your pet too.
If you use a portable electric fan, don't point the fan's flow your if the room temperature is hotter than 90°F. The dry blowing air will dehydrate you faster.
Check on older, sick, or frail people who may need help dealing with the heat.
Miami-Dade County is urging people to take the following precautions:
The community is encouraged to take simple precautions to prevent heat-related illnesses including:
- If you feel lightheaded, confused, weak, or faint, seek medical attention immediately by calling 911.
- Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day especially those with electrolytes, avoiding those that contain caffeine, high sugar content, and alcohol.
- Eat light, cool, easy-to-digest foods such as fruit or salads. If you pack food, put it in a cooler or carry an ice pack. Don't leave it sitting in the sun. Meats and dairy products can spoil quickly in hot weather.
- Do not take salt tablets unless specified by a physician.
- Avoid outdoor activities during the peak hours of the day. Limit outdoors activities to the early morning or evening hours.
- If you must be outdoors, slow down, take breaks in a shaded or cool areas and drink cool fluids every hour.
- Wear clothing that is lightweight, light colored and loose fitting. Protect your face and scalp from harmful UV rays by wearing a hat and protect your skin by applying sunscreen.
- Do not leave children or pets in cars.
- Minimize direct exposure to the sun. Sunburn reduces your body's ability to dissipate heat.
- If you have pets, bring them indoors. If they need to remain outdoors, make sure they have access to a cool, shaded area with plenty of water.
- Those particularly sensitive to heat such as children, infants, older adults (especially those who have preexisting diseases, take certain medications, living alone or with limited mobility), those with chronic medical conditions, and pregnant women should stay in the coolest available place.
- Use portable electric fans. Do not direct the flow of fans toward yourself when room temperature is hotter than 90°F. The dry blowing air will dehydrate you faster, endangering your health.
- Take a cool bath or shower and/or use a moist towel around your neck and head for cooling.
- Check on older, sick, or frail people who may need help responding to the heat.
For more additional heat health tips, click here, and for cost-saving tips from FPL, click here.