Heat Wave Safety Tips From The Rhode Island Health Department

PROVIDENCE, RI — With heat indices reaching triple digits in much of the state, The Rhode Island Department of Health has advice on how to stay safe during this heat wave.

Public Information Officer Joseph Wendelken offered the following safety tips:

• Drink plenty of fluids. (Lots of water; avoid alcohol and minimize the coffee)
• If you have to be outside, try to avoid strenuous activities, and take shade breaks.
• Watch for heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. Seek medical attention immediately for anyone showing signs of heat stroke (high temperature, headache, altered mental state, flushed skin, etc.)
• Wear light clothing.
• Check on family members and neighbors.
• Never leave people or pets in a closed car.

If people find themselves without air conditioning, Wendelken suggest going to a mall, library, or other public space to cool down.

There are also cool centers located throughout Rhode Island.

Click here for a list of cooling centers.

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