If you have elderly friends, relatives or neighbors, you can help them protect themselves from heat-related stress:
- Visit older adults at risk at least twice a day and watch them for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
- Make sure they are keeping themselves hydrated by drinking plenty of cool water.
- Enourage them to avoid beverages with caffeine or alcohol. Alcohol, in particular, increases dehydration.
- Take them to air-conditioned locations if they have transportation problems.
- Make sure older adults have access to an electric fan whenever possible.
