URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — People enjoyed Friday’s weather while they were able to because this weekend temperatures are going to increase.
The Central Illinois region is under a heat advisory for the upcoming days, and health experts emphasize the importance of staying safe. According to Holly Cook, the Emergency Department Director, heat stroke and heat exhaustion are among the most frequent conditions they encounter during intensely hot days.
Symptoms of heat exhaustion include weakness and dizziness, while heat stroke can elevate your body temperature and impair speech. Cook advises that the best way to stay safe from the heat is by planning in advance.
Cook recommends thinking beyond just the next couple of hours. “Consider the next 12 to 24 hours, and plan in relation to the time of day and weather predictions,” Cook advised. “Ensure you have an adequate supply of fluids, and make sure your family and friends are aware of your plans in case anything changes or any emergencies arise. That would be my recommendation.”
She said if you do see someone possibly having a heat stroke, get them to the nearest hospital and don’t give them any water because they could choke.
