Arizona’s heat is not just uncomfortable, it is deadly. Last week a child died in a hot car and over the weekend three people died from heat-related causes. With daytime temperatures stuck in the teen triple digits, Arizona’s summer has again turned dangerous and deadly.

Last summer, 34 Arizona residents died as a direct result of excessive exposure to heat, including three infants that were left in parked cars. 

"These are some of the hottest days of summer and people need to be diligent about staying indoors, wearing light clothing and drinking water,” said Will Humble of the Arizona Department of Health Services. “People who work outdoors are at especially high risk. People that have outdoor occupations need to take more breaks and get more of their work done in the early morning hours if possible.

Young children and the elderly are also at greater risk to suffer from heat-related illness. “All licensed facilities including childcare centers, healthcare centers, and hospices, need to pay attention to modifying activity levels and take care to make sure hydration is increased,” said Humble. “This is also a good time to check on your neighbors, especially if they are elderly, living alone, or may have been affected by the weekend’s power outages. Take the time to stop by and ensure your neighbors are taking extra precautions as well.”

People suffer heat-related illness when the body’s temperature control system is overloaded and the body can no longer cool itself. As long as blood is flowing properly to the skin, extra heat from the body is pumped to the skin and removed by sweat evaporation. If fluids are not replaced soon enough, heat stroke can result, potentially leading to brain damage or death.

Symptoms of heat illness include heavy sweating, muscle cramps, weakness, dizziness, nausea, weak but rapid pulse and headaches. People with these symptoms should find shade, drink water slowly and make sure there is good ventilation.

Staying in an air-conditioned area, either at home or in a public place such as a mall, library or recreation center is the most effective way to fight heat. If air conditioning is not available, pull the shades over the windows and use cross-ventilation and fans to cool rooms. A cool shower or bath also is an effective way to cool off. Limit use of stoves and ovens to keep home temperatures lower.

Other tips to avoid heat-related illness:

• Never leave infants, children or pets inside a parked vehicle.
• Increase fluid intake, regardless of activity level. Don’t wait until thirsty to drink fluids; drink more liquid than one’s thirst indicates. 
• Avoid "heat hangover." Continue to drink fluids even after strenuous activity. This will enable the body to maintain optimum hydration, and help prevent the after effects of heat exposure such as headaches and fatigue. 
• Avoid beverages containing alcohol, caffeine or large amounts of sugar as they dehydrate the body.
• Avoid very cold beverages as they cause stomach cramps. 
• Limit exercise or outdoor activity between the hours of 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. when the sun is at its peak intensity. If active during this time frame, drink a minimum of 16 to 32 ounces of water each hour. 
• Some medications, both prescription and over-the-counter, may increase the risk of heat related illness. Consult your physician if you have questions. 

When outdoors:

• Wear a sunscreen with a minimum SPF 15. Apply at least 30 minutes prior to going outdoors, and re-apply as necessary. 
• Rest frequently in shady areas so that the body’s temperature has a chance to recover. 
• If unaccustomed to working or exercising in a hot environment, gradually increase the pace and limit exercise or work time. 
• Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing; sunglasses to protect the eyes; and a wide-brimmed hat to provide shade and keep the head cool. 
• Take special precaution with infants and young children by dressing them in loose, cool clothing and shading their heads and faces with hats or an umbrella. Protect their feet with shoes.