Emergency officials suggestions to stay cool ahead of rising temperatures

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. —

With the temperature climbing this weekend, first responders said it’s important to know the signs of heat-related illness if you’re planning to be out in the sun for long periods of time. WVTM 13 talked to emergency officials who said if you can avoid the heat by any means, do it, but if you have to be out in it, it’s best to be prepared.

Temperatures in the Birmingham area reached 94 degrees on Wednesday, but that’s not stopping athletes like Austin Bell from getting outside. He said he knows the dangers of not being fully hydrated when temperatures rise.

“I’ve had one time where my whole body cramped up and the ambulance had to come pick me up and take me to the hospital,” Bell said.

First responders are urging people to take caution when they’re out so they aren’t making the same mistakes.

“I think this [past] weekend we’ve had at least a couple of heat emergencies already and it wasn’t even in the hundreds,” Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service Battalion Chief Jackie Hicks said.

With the feels-like temperature expected to near 100 degrees Thursday and Friday, experts said knowing the signs of a heat-related condition is the first step.

“You have heat exhaustion, which can then — if they continue to get having — it can lead to heat stroke,” Dr. said. “You can also get something called rhabdomyolysis, which is a breakdown of the muscles. But most people generally, they start to pass out, a lot of sweating, a lot of thirst, headaches, nausea, vomiting, disorientation.”

Rocky Ridge Assistant Fire Chief Michael Bartlett said the department is seeing a rise in calls since temperatures have climbed.

“A lot of our calls, especially, come on the interstate like wrecks and stuff like that,” Rocky Ridge Assistant Fire Chief Michael Bartlett said. “Then, those people get stranded for 20 or 30 minutes sitting outside upon the interstate.”

That means staying hydrated is important no matter what your plans are for the day before it’s too late.

“Whether it’s pickles, mustard, Gatorade, water — just drinking those electrolytes — staying away from caffeine, nicotine and alcohol,” Bell said.

“Sometimes our body is to the point we’re about to shut down,” Hicks said, “so water really is not going to help. You probably need some medical treatment.”

Experts also suggest drinking Gatorade, taking as many breaks as needed during physical activity and wearing sunscreen.