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Connect With Your Community!
With a heatwave in full effect in Three Forks,, the Gallatin City-County Health Department reminds area residents of precautions to take during the ongoing heatwave.
Communications and Website Specialist Holly Whaley stressed the risks associated with the higher temperatures.
“Severe heat-related illness can be very dangerous. Knowing if you’re experiencing the symptoms of heat-related illness—and what actions to take next—is essential to protecting your health during extreme heat,” Whaley said.
According to Whaley, older adults, the very young, and people with mental illness and chronic diseases are most at risk during higher temperatures. Whaley said the following groups are most likely to experience a heat-related illness during high temperatures:
• People who work outside, kids, and athletes
• Infants, young kids, and pets
• Adults who are 60 years old or older
• People who are pregnant
• People without air-conditioned houses or cars
• People with chronic health conditions
• People with reduced mobility and people with limited access to transportation
“However, even young and healthy people can be affected if they participate in strenuous physical activities during hot weather,” Whaley said.
Whaley shared that during periods of extreme heat, it’s recommended to take precautions such as:
• Drink water throughout the day.
• Wear lightweight and light-colored clothing.
• Avoid outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day.
• Take frequent breaks in air conditioning or shade.
• Do not leave kids, pets, or anyone else in cars.
• Minimize walking your pet during the hottest part of the day. Hot asphalt or cement can easily burn an animal’s paws. Not sure how hot the asphalt is? Place the back of your hand on it—if it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for them.
LINKS FOR MORE INFORMATION
More information on extreme heat, heat-related illnesses, and tips on how to stay safe here:
https://www.healthygallatin.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Beat-the-Heat-by-PHCC-and-HAA_ENG.pdf
The CDC also has information on heat-related illnesses:
https://www.cdc.gov/extreme-heat/signs-symptoms/index.html
More information about prevention can be found at:
https://www.cdc.gov/extreme-heat/prevention/index.html
https://www.healthygallatin.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Beat-the-Heat-by-PHCC-and-HAA_ENG.pdf
https://www.cdc.gov/extreme-heat/prevention/index.html
For more information about pets, animals, and livestock, visit:
https://www.weather.gov/wrn/summer-article-keep-your-pets-cool
https://www.redcross.org/about-us/news-and-events/news/keep-pets-safe-in-hot-weather.html
