Heat Safety Tips

When it’s hot, the number of people in Miami-Dade County with serious health problems like heat exhaustion, heat stroke, heart attacks, stroke, and kidney failure rises with the temperature.

Who is at higher risk
If you are in one of these groups and/or are the caretaker of someone in any of these groups take extra precautions to stay cool, drink water, and take breaks from the heat:

Older adults (65 and older)
Young children
People with chronic health conditions or mental illness
Athletes who exercise outdoors
Outdoor workers
People living unsheltered or with limited access to AC
Pregnant people
Pets

Note: Medications and health conditions can make you more sensitive to heat, including those for allergies and colds, thyroid, depression, heart/blood pressure, and weight loss. Check with your doctor about your health conditions and medications.

- Check on friends, family and neighbors who may be more vulnerable to heat
- Stay cool
  - Spend time in air-conditioned buildings if you can (if not available at home or with friends and family, try neighborhood community centers, libraries, malls, or movie theaters)
  - Avoid direct contact with the sun
  - Reduce physical activity and move to shaded areas
  - Do outdoor activities in the cooler morning or evening hours
  - Cool your body down quickly by wearing a wet scarf, bandana, or shirt
- Stay hydrated
  - Drink plenty of water and don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink more
    - Limit or avoid caffeine and alcohol. They can be dehydrating
    - Drink electrolyte drinks if you have access to them
- Never leave infants, children or pets in a parked car, even if the windows are cracked open. It only takes a few minutes for severe medical problems and even death to occur
- Watch for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Seek medical care immediately if you know someone who experiences symptoms
- Check the local weather forecast – the National Weather Service is the best place to access the most current weather and forecast information
As summers are getting longer and hotter and utility rates are going up, it is important to use as many resources as you can for saving on utility costs while keeping your home cool.
Work in a hot environment?
- Consider downloading the OSHA Heat Index App for guidance on when to protect yourself and your co-workers
- If you are not being given appropriate opportunities to rest and drink water in a cool spot, call OSHA Hotline at 1-800-321-OSHA (6742)
- Employees can request OSHA keep the complaint anonymous