With high temperatures expected this weekend, the Dickinson-Iron District Health Department has some advice for dealing with extreme heat conditions.

Extreme heat is a period of high heat and humidity with temperatures exceeding 90 degrees for at least two to three days.

In extreme heat the body works extra hard to maintain a normal temperature, which can lead to death. In fact, extreme heat is responsible for the highest number of annual deaths among all weather-related hazards.

Remember:

— Extreme heat can occur quickly and without warning;

— Older adults, children and sick or overweight individuals are at greater risk from extreme heat;

— Humidity increases the feeling of heat as measured by a heat index.

 If under an extreme heating warning:

— Find air conditioning;

— Avoid strenuous activities;

— Wear light clothing;

— Check on family members and neighbors;

— Drink plenty of fluids;

— Watch for heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke;

— Never leave people or pets in a closed car — ever! The temperature is much hotter in a closed vehicle than what the temperature is outside. Babies and pets have died unnecessarily.

Ways to guard the home against extreme heat include:

— Do not rely on a fan as the primary cooling device; 

— Cover windows with drapes or shades;

— Weather-strip doors and windows;

— Use window reflectors such as aluminum foil-covered cardboard to reflect heat back outside.

— Add insulation to keep the heat out;

— Use a powered attic ventilator or attic fan to regulate the heat level of a building’s attic by clearing hot air;

— Install window air conditioners and insulate around them.

Learn to recognize the signs of heat illness, including:

Heat cramps

Signs: Muscle pains or spasms in the stomach, arms or legs

Actions: Go to a cooler location. Remove excess clothing. Take sips of cool sports drinks with salt and sugar. If sick and in need of medical attention, call a local health care provider first and follow his or her instructions about whether to go to the hospital.

Heat exhaustion

Signs: Heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, dizziness, headache, fainting, nausea, vomiting

Actions: Go to an air-conditioned place and lie down. Loosen or remove clothing. Take a cool bath. Take sips of cool sports drinks with salt and sugar. Call a health care provider if symptoms get worse or last more than an hour.

Heat stroke

Signs: Extremely high body temperature — above 103 degrees — taken orally. Red, hot and dry skin with no sweat. Rapid, strong pulse. Dizziness, confusion or unconsciousness.

Actions: Call 911 or get the person to a hospital immediately. Cool down with whatever methods are available until medical help arrives.