DELMARVA — As dangerous heat settles across Delmarva, health professionals are encouraging people to recognize the warning signs of heat-related illness before symptoms become more serious.
Forecasters say temperatures and humidity will continue climbing through the holiday weekend, increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses, particularly for older adults, young children and people with underlying health conditions.
Chisola Sherman, a nurse practitioner at Best Remedy Urgent Care in Delmar, says people should know what to watch for before spending time outdoors.
“We want you to enjoy the weather, but we also want you to be mindful and have at least the basic knowledge of what to watch out for while you're enjoying the sun,” Sherman said.
Sherman says weakness, fatigue, dizziness, lightheadedness and nausea can all be early warning signs that someone is being affected by the heat.
“You want to immediately stop what you're doing. Find some shade. Go in a cool area and start to hydrate,” Sherman told WBOC.
She says older adults can face an even greater risk because of existing medical conditions and certain medications.
“Older folks are really at high risk because of their preexisting conditions. And sometimes some of their medications that they are on could put them at risk for getting easily dehydrated,” Sherman said.
Megan Schoepf of Best Remedy Urgent Care says families should also pay close attention to elderly loved ones as the heat continues.
“My older population, they really have already started speaking about the heat, that wave that's coming, and most of them are saying they are staying inside,” Schoepf said. “So if you do have those family members that are staying inside, please check on them too. Sometimes not everybody has working air conditioning, working fans.”
Gabriel Waskey of Salisbury says keeping his dog safe is one of his biggest priorities during periods of extreme heat.
“It's keeping her hydrated…trying to keep in the shade," Waskey said. "Keep her off the blacktop. Making sure, like, you put your back of your hand on the street, make sure it's not too hot for her paws and stuff."
Governor Wes Moore has declared a State of Preparedness for Maryland. State officials are urging people to stay hydrated, check on vulnerable neighbors and limit prolonged exposure to the heat as dangerous conditions are expected to last through the holiday weekend.
