Naperville Under Heat Advisory; Pollution Action Day Declared

A heat advisory is in effect for DuPage and Will counties from noon to 8 p.m. Thursday and an air pollution action day was declared.

The National Weather Service is predicting temperatures in Thursday could reach between 100 to 105 degrees, with heat indexes of 105 to 110 degrees.

Prolonged exposure to the heat can be dangerous and lead to sunstroke, heat cramps and heat exhaustion, according to the National Weather Service. A heat advisory means high heat and humidity combine to create a situation where heat illnesses are likely. 

Children and pets should not be left unattended in vehicles for any length of time because the heat can turn lethal inside vehicles, according to the National Weather Service. 

Adults and children with respiratory or pulmonary diseases such as asthma should limit outdoor activity.

Staying safe in the heat

The DuPage County Health Department has a number of tips to help people stay safe in the heat.

Dehydration: Dehydration occurs when more water leaves the body that you put back in. Stay well hydrated throughout the day and drink extra fluids when exercising or simply being outdoors on hot days.

Heat exhaustion: Symptoms may include: headaches, weak pulse, rapid pulse, excessive sweating, dizziness, and in some instances fainting, clammy skin, chills, cold, nausea, vomiting, muscle cramps or very fast or very shallow breathing. If you suspect you have heat exhaustion, take action immediately to cool down. If possible, immerse yourself in cool water.

Heat stroke: Unlike heat exhaustion, victims of heat stroke have warm skin that is dry to the touch because they’ve sweated out all their extra water leaving the body’s natural cooling system without a key cool-down mechanism. High fever, severe headaches, nausea, vomiting, and a strong, rapid pulse all accompany heat stroke. People may become confused and can lose consciousness. Heat stroke is a very serious condition. Take action to cool the victim and seek immediate medical assistance.

Keep your Cool

Here are some tips from the Health Department to stay cool:

• Always wear light-weight clothing that has plenty of ventilation – the fabric should “breathe.” Stay well hydrated; always ensure you consume an abundance of liquids in the summer.

• Exercise or schedule other strenuous activities when the heat and humidity are lowest, usually early morning and late evenings.

• Rest in cool, shady places frequently. If you’re hot, go cool down – get indoors, drink cool liquids, enjoy the air conditioning for a few minutes, or take a cold shower.

• Eat light, heart-healthy foods to replace minerals and nutrients that may be lost. Give your heart a little extra break during the summer months with a healthy diet.

• Watch out for those at greatest risk such as very young children, the elderly, persons who may have health conditions. Certain medications may put you at greater risk of heat-related illnesses so be aware of how medications may interact with the heat.

For more information visit the DuPage County Health Department.

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