Heat Illness Prevention

People have died or suffered serious health problems from these conditions. Heat illness can be prevented.

Subscribe to the EH&S Heat Alert Email List

Student Heat Illness Awareness Training Verification Form

Know the Symptoms of Heat Illness

Watch for symptoms in yourself and others. If you feel any symptoms, tell someone immediately because you may need medical help.

Early symptoms

• Fatigue
• Heavy sweating
• Headache
• Cramps
• Dizziness
• High pulse rate
• Nausea/vomiting

Life-threatening symptoms

• High body temperature
• Red, hot, dry skin
• Confusion
• Convulsion
• GET MEDICAL HELP

Stay Alert to the Weather

During a heat wave you are at greater risk of getting sick. You need to watch yourself and coworkers more closely, and may need to drink more water, take more breaks, and use other measures.

Drink enough cool, fresh water Drink at least one 8-ounce cup (3 cones) every 15 minutes. Do not wait until you are thirsty to drink water.

• Do not drink alcohol.
• Avoid coffee.
• Choose water over soft drinks.
• Take rest breaks in the shade to cool down.
• Wear proper clothing Loose fitting, light-weight and light-colored cotton clothes, a wide-brimmed hat or cap, and a bandana.
• Talk to your doctor if you have illnesses like diabetes, are taking medicines or are on a low salt diet.

• Enough cool, fresh drinking water throughout the day.
• Access to shade or an equally cool spot for at least 5 minutes at a time.

Summer Health Tips (printable poster)

Heat Illness Prevention Program