Heat and Humidity Safety Tips

Heat and humidity are in the forecast for the upcoming days in Prince George’s County and the men and women of your Fire/EMS Department want you to stay informed and take precautions to stay safe and healthy. Temperatures in the nineties, combined with high humidity may create a dangerous situation for children, the elderly, and those who suffer from chronic heart or lung conditions. The National Weather Service is forecasting temperatures will hit the nineties on Thursday and last throughout the weekend.

This is the current forecast from the National Weather Service for Prince George’s County:

THURSDAY
MOSTLY SUNNY. HIGHS IN THE LOWER 90S. WEST WINDS 5 TO
10 MPH.

THURSDAY NIGHT
PARTLY CLOUDY IN THE EVENING...THEN MOSTLY CLOUDY
WITH A CHANCE OF SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS AFTER MIDNIGHT. LOWS IN THE UPPER 60S. SOUTHWEST WINDS AROUND 5 MPH. CHANCE OF RAIN
40 PERCENT.

FRIDAY
MOSTLY CLOUDY IN THE MORNING...THEN BECOMING PARTLY SUNNY.
A CHANCE OF SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS. HIGHS AROUND 90. NORTHWEST
WINDS 5 TO 10 MPH. CHANCE OF RAIN 30 PERCENT.

FRIDAY NIGHT
PARTLY CLOUDY. LOWS IN THE UPPER 60S. NORTHWEST
WINDS AROUND 5 MPH.

SATURDAY
SUNNY. HIGHS IN THE LOWER 90S. WEST WINDS AROUND 5 MPH.

SATURDAY NIGHT
PARTLY CLOUDY. LOWS IN THE UPPER 60S. WEST WINDS
AROUND 5 MPH.

SUNDAY
PARTLY SUNNY WITH A CHANCE OF SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS.
HIGHS AROUND 90. WEST WINDS AROUND 5 MPH. CHANCE OF RAIN 30 PERCENT.

Your best protection is to stay well hydrated. Sweat, or water, allows heat to evaporate from your skin’s surface. If you become dehydrated, it is more difficult for your body to maintain an acceptable temperature. The best thing to drink is water. Gatorade or other sports drinks are also good. Avoid drinks containing alcohol or caffeine.

Limit heavy exertion when high levels of heat and humidity are present. High humidity levels make it more difficult for your body to dissipate heat.

At Work

• Avoid the heat
• Reduce activity
• Drink plenty of water

Outdoors

• Wear light colored clothing
• Drink plenty of water
• Take frequent rest breaks in the air conditioning or shade

At Home

• Check on relatives and friends, especially the elderly
• Increase time spent in an air-conditioned environment
• Eat smaller meals, more often
• Take cool baths
• Make sure pets have access to water and shade

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