FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE		Media Contact: Tiffany S. Jones Information and Communications Specialist Office: (919) 560-7144 / Cell: (919) 695-6596 tsjones@dconc.gov
June 19, 2014

DURHAM, N.C. – Summer officially begins this weekend and the Durham County Department of Public Health urges residents to take the necessary steps to prevent heat-related illness, injury and death and maximize their fun.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), high humidity and personal factors such as age, weight, some chronic diseases and medications can all determine how well and how fast people can cool off. The elderly, the very young, people with chronic diseases and the mentally ill are at the highest risk for complications.

To help prevent heat-related illness, injury and even death, the CDC recommends all people:

• Stay in an air-conditioned indoor location as much as possible
• Drink plenty of fluids even if you don’t feel thirsty
• Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing and sunscreen
• Schedule outdoor activities carefully
• Exercise during cooler periods early in the morning or late in the day or in an air conditioned facility, if possible. Take cool showers or baths to cool down
• Do not leave children or pets in cars
• Check on a friend or neighbor and have someone do the same for you
• Check the local news for health and safety updates

Following these tips can reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses. For additional information on keeping cool in extreme heat, visit www.cdc.gov/Features/ExtremeHeat or call the Durham County Department of Public Health at (919) 560-7600.