Canton Emergency Management Heat Advisory

Featured Announcement:

Over the next two daysdegrees with a heat index of 105. Take precautions to avoid heat related illness due to the extreme temperature.

• Drink plenty of water and avoid coffee, alcohol and sugary drinks.
• Avoid exercise in the middle of the day when it is the hottest.
• Try to get inside to Air Conditioned Buildings
• Elderly people (65 and older,) infants, children and people with chronic medical conditions are more prone to heat stress
• Please check on relatives, friends and neighbors that may need assistance during this stretch of hot weather
• DIAL 911 IF YOU ARE HAVING A HEATED RELATED EMERGENCY

For additional information on heat related emergency visit the CDC website by clicking here.

If you are having any of the signs or symptoms below, dial 911!

Disorder

Health Effects, Signs & Symptom

Fainting

Also called Heat Syncope, fainting is a temporary condition. Blood pools in the extremities rather than returning to the heart to be pumped to the brain. Workers usually recover after lying down briefly. After recovery, moving around will help prevent further fainting.

Heat Cramps

Temporary conditions characterized by painful muscle spasms of the arms, legs, or abdomen during or after work. Reversible with prompt treatment. Cramps are caused when a person sweats and drinks water, but does not replenish salts (electrolytes) lost in the sweat. Treatment consists of rest, drinking electrolyte fluids or water contain 1/4 tablespoon of table salt per quart, and removal from further heat exposure.

Heat Exhaustion
or  Heat Stress

Heat-induced illness that can cause serious injury. It occurs in those who do not replace fluids and electrolytes lost through sweating. Symptoms include tiredness, weakness, thirst, and dizziness, with occasional headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and fainting. The skin is clammy and moist, complexion pale or flushed. Body temperature is normal or slightly high. Treatment includes rest, drinking balanced electrolyte fluids, and removal from further heat exposure. The patient should report to a doctor's office/hospital for observation and possible treatment.

Heat Stroke

Heat stroke may be fatal unless promptly and adequately treated. Caused by a failure of the body perspiration mechanism resulting in accelerating rise in body core temperature. Symptoms include confusion, loss of consciousness, convulsions and coma. The skin is hot and dry, temperature is 104-106° F, pulse is rapid, and blood pressure falls. Rapid cooling of the body should begin immediately (immerse in chilled water accompanied by vigorous massage of the skin, loosen clothing, move to shade, spray with cool water & fan.) Call 911.

A List of Canton Cooling Locations with Air Conditioning During the Day

• Canton Senior Center: 781-828-1323. Seniors can call the if they need transportation to get them to a location with A/C. After hours leave a message.
• Canton Public Library offers an air-conditioned place to cool off. Click for hours and details.
• Town Pool on Bolivar Street is a great spot to cool off. Click for information on hours.