Hot Weather Tips

Florida’s climate can often be hot and humid. Staying cool and making simple changes in your fluid intake, activities, and clothing during hot weather can help you remain safe and healthy. To prevent heat-related illness:

• Drink cool water and other fluids (nonalcoholic and low in sugar) frequently. Drink enough water that you never become thirsty.

• Stay indoors and, if at all possible, stay in an air-conditioned place. (When the temperature is in the high 90s, electric fans will not prevent heat-related illness. Taking a cool shower or bath is a much better way to cool off.)

• Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. If outdoors, also wear a wide-brimmed hat (also keeps you cooler), sunglasses and sunscreen.

• If you must be out in the heat, limit activity to morning and evening hours. Try to rest often in shady areas.

• Check regularly on adults at risk who are older or physically/mentally ill, and closely watch infants and young children them for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

• Provide plenty of fresh water for your pets, and leave the water in a shady area.

• Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle.

Avoid Dehydration
To avoid becoming dehydrated, it is important to drink plenty of fluids, especially water even if you don’t feel thirsty. Health experts have found that fluid requirements vary from person to person. Persons who have medical conditions such as kidney and heart disease, who require a fluid restricted diet, or who have problems with fluid retention should consult a physician before increasing their consumption of fluids. 

• Babies from birth–6 months:  Healthy infants normally do not need extra water. On a hot day, a small amount of water may be needed, but check with your physician on how much to give. 

• Babies from 6–12 months: Breast or formula-fed babies that are receiving solid foods should also be receiving water.  

• Children 12 months and older: Should be reminded to drink fluids, preferably water throughout the day. They should be encouraged to drink more on hot days.   

• Adults should drink:  When exposed to temperatures reaching 90 F and higher, depending on physical activity level and heat exposure, adults should drink even more water.

Knowing the signs of dehydration and knowing what to do, is very important.  Signs of dehydration include thirst, weakness, nausea, muscle cramps, feeling dizzy and light headed, decreased urine levels and/or urine that has a strong odor or is darker than normal, tiredness, sluggishness, irritability and headaches. All, some or none of these signs may be present so the best way to avoid dehydration is to monitor water or fluid intake and modify activity or reduce the length of activity according to weather conditions.

If you suspect you are becoming dehydrated, get to a cool or shady area and sip cool water or fluids. If your condition does not improve, seek medical attention immediately.

• Heavy sweating

• Paleness

• Muscle Cramps

• Tiredness

• Weakness

• Dizziness

• Headache

• Nausea / Vomiting

• Fainting

• Skin: may be cool and moist

• Pulse rate: fast and weak

• Breathing: fast and shallow

If heat exhaustion is expected, help the victim to cool off and seek medical attention if symptoms worsen or last longer than one hour.

If heat exhaustion is untreated, it may progress to heat stroke. Seek medical attention immediately if any of the following occurs:

• Symptoms are severe

• The victim has heart problems or high blood pressure

Duval County Health Department
900 University Blvd. N.
Jacksonville, FL 32211
253-1000

Copyright ©  2003 Duval County Health Department. All rights reserved.