Font Size:
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) — the heat has been unbearable here in East Tennessee, but in other parts of the state it’s been deadly.
There have been two heat related deaths in West Tennessee. in Shelby County, a 75-year-old woman, with health issues, died in her home, when her air conditioner wasn’t on. And, in Tipton County, a 60-year-old man died after falling in his driveway, and lying in the heat for hours.
The heat wave continues, so there are things you need to know to make sure your family, of all ages, is safe outside.
David Farmer took his three daughters to the Carl Cowan Park in Farragut too cool off Wednesday. “Unfortunately we’ve had to stay inside a lot just because it’s so hot, and then you’ve got to find water sources just to cool the body off,” he said.
He is trying to find ways to have fun and be safe in the sun. He said, “They do get heated and flushed, but they don’t want to stop, so you’ve got to find cool sources.”
UT Medical Center’s emergency department sees an increase in heat related illnesses about this time every year, and Nurse Manager Christian Lawson says you can get sick from the sun, quicker than you might realize.
He said, “The extreme heat setting, symptoms could develop with in 15 to 20 minutes if you’re not properly hydrating.”
He said you need to keep an eye out for certain signs and symptoms, starting with Heat Exhaustion, when you’re sweating a lot, and feeling dizzy. Cramps are also possible, and a more common symptom for kids.
The worst is Heat Stroke, he said, “Your body has exhausted all of it’s compensatory mechanisms. You’re not sweating anymore, your skin is very hot, your actual internal body temperature gets above normal, and that is a true medical emergency.”
Lawson said children and the elderly are the most common victims of heat illnesses, and “If you have diabetes high blood pressure, other illnesses like that, that predisposes you to develop heat related signs and symptoms and illnesses more quickly,” he said.
You can prepare for extreme heat by drinking plenty of water before you go out, and avoiding direct sunlight.
David pointed out he purposely sat on the shaded bench, while his girls played in the water.
Lawson said to also check your clothing labels, “There’s kind of a term in the emergency setting world that ‘cotton kills.’ It’s not the best to be wearing in the heat.” He says synthetics will help get the sweat away from your body.
Lawson said everyone should get a minimum of 64 ounces of water a day, but if you’re going to be outside or exerting yourself, then you need to drink even more. Sports drinks are a good alternative to water, but he says sodas are the worst when you’re dehydrated.
To see the latest forecast and what the next 8 days will be like, CLICK HERE.