Is it getting hot in here?
As Personal Injury Lawyers in Virginia and North Carolina, we care about all of our potential clients’ health. And we also feel the heat of the summer sun that you are feeling and don’t want any of you to get hurt by it. So please, keep reading…
The Virginia Department of Health just released a new blog entry on keeping cool this summer. In 2023, 2,656 people visited an emergency department with heat-related illness in Virginia. On average, as reported by the Center for Disease Control & Prevention, 1,220 people across the United States die annually from extreme heat.
This year, warmer conditions are expected throughout Virginia and the rest of the southeastern coast. The National Weather Service’s Climate Prediction Center estimates Virginia’s temperature to lean above region averages in July, August, and into September.
According to the Virginia Department of Health, emergency departments have already seen a 200%+ increase in heat-related illness cases as of June 24.
Keep your cool this summer:
- Stay hydrated. Keep water on your person to cool down quickly.
- Turn on the A/C. Stay near shady locations or buildings with air-conditioning. Keep a portable mini-fan handy.
- Limit physical activity to the coolest times of the day and pace yourself when you go outdoors. Take frequent breaks in the shade.
- Take a cold shower. After a hot day, cool down with a cold shower.
- Dress to Avoid Heat Stress! Wear loose and lightweight clothing that keeps your body cool in the heat. Aim for breathable fabrics as well as cooling hats and UV-blocking umbrellas for long hours in the sun.
- Have a frozen treat. Our favorite way to cool down this summer is with a cold snack like frozen fruit, fro-yo, and ice cream.
Avoid Heat Stroke/Exhaustion
Stay cool and hydrated are key factors in avoiding heat stroke and heat exhaustion this summer. If you find symptoms of heat-related illness in those around you or if you may be experiencing these symptoms, bring the individual to a cooler place and cool their body temperature with a cool water or ice bath (if possible) or apply cold compresses to the forehead, back of the neck, under the arms, and in the groin area. Encourage cold sips of water until symptoms start to subside.
If symptoms worsen, seek medical attention immediately.
Heat stroke is an emergency. Call 911 immediately if the individual:
- Loses consciousness
- Has a fast, strong pulse
- Hot, red skin
- Temperature of 103°F+
For more safety tips on how to avoid heat-related illnesses (such as heat stroke and heat exhaustion), visit the Virginia Department of Health website.
If you’ve suffered a heat-related injury due to the negligence of others, consider seeking the consultation of a personal injury lawyer. Someone can be held liable for heat-related injuries such as in the case of property owners, care facilities, employers, event organizers, and those responsible for children. When an injury occurs as a consequence of extreme heat or dehydration, Slaughter & Lupton Law can aid in seeking compensation.
To learn more about how Slaughter & Lupton Law can aid in your heat-related injury case, fill out the contact details below or call us at (757) 999-1111.
