Preventing Heat-Related Illnesses
By taking early preventive measures, facilities can avoid heat-related emergencies later.
Make sure your building is summer-ready
- Make sure that the temperature in your facility is safe and comfortable.
- Keep residents indoors in the air conditioning during heat waves.
- Close blinds or curtains to keep direct sunlight from entering rooms.
- Turn off unneeded lights (they emit heat).
- Use extra circulating fans to keep to keep air moving within your facility. Avoid using fans directed at individuals when the ambient temperature exceeds 100° F.
- Many states issue Hot Weather Bulletins. Monitor the television or radio for important local heat-related announcements and be sure to follow your state's protocols during warm weather.
- Review your facility's emergency disaster plan. It should include:
- Up-to-date emergency telephone numbers
- Contingency plans in case the facility's air-conditioning system goes out
- An evacuation plan in case residents need to be moved to a "cooling center
- Be aware of the outdoor heat index (a measurement of what the hot weather "feels like") and take appropriate precautions.
- Remember that exposure to full sunshine can increase the heat index by up to 15 degrees.
- Consider establishing a hydration station in the facility, where water and other fluids are always available to residents and staff.
- Encourage residents to drink plenty of fluids. Water and fruit or vegetable juices are best.
- Offer residents extra fluids at regular intervals.
- Popsicles or freeze-pops are another alternative to fluids.
- If the resident has a fluid restriction, ask the physician for specific orders during hot weather.
- Avoid caffeine or sodas because these cause a person to lose more body fluid.
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