Fun in the sun: How to stay safe in the heat of summer
NEW YORK -- It's hard to beat a summer day at the shore, but heat and humidity can also be dangerous.
As CBS2's John Elliott reports, according to the CDC, over 700 people a year die from heat-related diseases, so it's important to know the signs of heat stress so you can keep your cool and stay safe.
"Absolutely, heat can kill you," said Dr. William Downs, Monmouth Medical Center emergency department director. "There's a whole spectrum of issues that we can deal with heat, as minimal as a sunburn to where as we get more into heat exhaustion and heat stroke, which becomes the emergency. When you should go to the hospital is when you're having signs of vomiting, continued muscle cramps, dizziness, headaches."
Of course, the Jersey Shore is a great place to escape the heat, but the reality is, not everybody can head to the beach, so there are two important advisories you need to know about.
The National Weather Service will issue a heat advisory when the heat index is forecast to be between 95-99 for two days or 100-104 for really any length of time. An excessive heat warning is posted when the heat index value is forecast to hit 105 for just two hours.
"When the weather people tell you the heat index is high, it's best to take precautions and stay inside in cool environments and limit your exposure outside," Downs said.
Summertime heat and humidity can be dangerous, but there are three simple steps to make sure you survive and thrive and can enjoy this great season: stay cool, stay hydrated and stay informed.
That's what CBS2's weather team is here for, every day of the year, no matter what the season may be. There's always something to look out for in our area, but there's always something to look forward to as well.
