HEAT SAFETY Pima County Summers are Hotter Than Ever Know the Risks • Age slows the body’s ability to regulate temperature • People living with dementia may • Certain medications increase heat sensitivity (diuretics, blood pressure medication, antidepressants, etc.) • No air conditioning=high heat risk indoors (indoor temps can exceed not recognize danger or communicate discomfort
• Take cool showers or sponge baths to lower body temp • Turn off unnecessary lights and appliances, they give off heat • Shade your home with trees, awnings, or outdoor curtains if possible • Stay in touch with neighbors and check in on one another • Get to a cooling center if your home gets too hot. Find a cooling center near you at: pima.gov/2307/Cooling-Centers
100°F, especially in mobile homes or older buildings) • Power outages are more likely during heat waves Tips for Keeping Cool • Close blinds and curtains during the day to block out sunlight (use reflective shades or thermal curtains if possible) • Don’t use fans if indoor temps are over 95°F, they can make you hot- ter, not cooler • Hang a wet towel in front of fan (if below 95°F) for evaporative cooling
HEAT STROKE
HEAT EXHAUSTION
VS.
Heat exhaustion is the body’s response to an excessive loss of water and salt, usually through excessive sweating.
Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related illness. It occurs when the body can no longer control its temperature. Heat stroke can cause permanent disability or death if the person does not receive emergency treatment.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Pulse: Rapid/ Weak pulse
Loss of consciousness
Pulse: Rapid/ Strong
Faint/Dizzy
Body: Temperature above 103°/ Red/Hot/Dry
Excessive sweating
Body: Cool/ Pale/Clammy
No sweating
WHAT TO DO
WHAT TO DO
ACT FAST, and then get medical help right away if the person is throwing up or if symptoms worsen or last longer than 1 hour. Have the person take small sips of water.
CALL 9-1-1, then ACT FAST and take immediate action to cool the overheated person while waiting for emergency treatment. Do NOT give the person anything to drink.
ACT FAST
Take immediate action to cool the overheated person: • Move the person to a cooler place • Loosen clothing and remove extra layers • Put them in a cool shower/tub of water or a cool shower • Place ice packs or cold, wet towels on the person
pima.gov/heat
July & August 2026, Never Too Late | Page 11
Pima Council on Aging
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