Keeping cool

Officials encourage residents, workers to rehydrate in hot weather

By Tiffany Green

“It’s 515 degrees in this kiln,” Ivylee Carney said, while roofing the BellSouth building in downtown Cullman.

He and his crew with Rowell Roofing from Columbia, Mississippi, have been working through the current temperatures in the upper 90’s.

“You can’t stay cool when it’s this hot,” he said. “This is the hottest job.”

Carney works at the kiln where the roofing material is made. He said he has been working outside for 29 years and is used to it.

“If I get too hot, I just sit down,” he said.

Carney also cools off with water breaks when he starts feeling over-heated.

The temperatures have been in the 90’s for the past week and will continue to be for the next several days.

“Stay out of the heat and in the air-conditioning as much as possible,” said Crystal Page, Cullman County Health Department clinic supervisor.

Heat-related illnesses can lead to death if not treated. Heat stroke, sometimes called sunstroke, is the most serious heat-related illness. It occurs when the body becomes unable to control its temperature. The body’s temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails and the body is unable to cool down. Body temperatures may rise to 106 degrees F or higher within 10 to 15 minutes. Heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability if not treated.

“The elderly and young are the most susceptible to heat-related illness,” Page said. “If you are not sweating, that’s a big clue something is wrong.”

Page said drink water throughout the day, even if you do not feel thirsty.

“Drink water continuously, don’t wait until you feel thirsty,” she said. “Stay hydrated.”



Warning signs of a heat stoke may include:

‰ Extreme high body temperature

‰ Red, hot and dry skin with no sweating

‰ Rapid, strong pulse

‰ Throbbing headache

‰ Dizziness

‰ Nausea

‰ Confusion

‰ Unconsciousness



The Alabama Department of Public Health says if experiencing signs of a heat stroke, call 911 quickly. While waiting, get the person to a shady area, cool quickly in a tub of cool water, place in a cool shower, spray with cool water from a hose, splash with cool water, or, if the humidity is low, place in a cool, wet sheet and fan vigorously. Monitor body temperature and continue cooling until the person’s body temperature is 101 to 102 degrees.

Heat exhaustion is a milder form of heat-related illness that can develop after several days of exposure to high temperatures mixed with an imbalance of fluids.

Warnings signs of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea or vomiting or fainting. The skin may be cool and moist and the pulse rate will be fast and weak, and breathing will be fast and shallow. Untreated can cause heat stroke.

Another heat-related illness can be heat cramps. They are muscle pains or spasms, usually in the abdomen, arms or legs, that may occur after strenuous activity. To relieve heat cramps, apply firm pressure on cramping muscles or gently massage them. Drink sips of water every 15 minutes for one hour.

Anyone can experience a heat-related illness, but people aged 65 and older are at the greatest risk. The risk can increase with people using medication like psychotropics, medications for Parkinson’s disease, tranquilizers and diuretic drugs.

Here are some measures to take to reduce chances of a heat illness:

‰ Drink more fluid and avoid beverages containing alcohol or caffeine

‰ When temperatures are extreme, stay indoors, preferably in air-conditioning

‰ Take a cool shower or bath and reduce or eliminate strenuous activities during the hottest part of the day.

‰ Protect yourself from the dun with a wide-brimmed hat, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing and use a sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher.

‰ Never leave people or pets in a car.

‰ Visit air-conditioned buildings in your community if your home is not air-conditioned. These may include senior centers, movie theaters, libraries, shopping malls or designated cooling centers.

‰ Ask your doctor or health care provider if the medications you take could increase your susceptibility to heat-related illness.

‰ Visit at-risk individuals at least twice a day. Watch for signs of heat-related illness such as hot, dry skin, confusion, hallucinations and aggression.

‰ Call 911 if medical attention is needed.



‰ Tiffany Green can be reached by e-mail at tgreen@cullmantimes.com or by telephone at 734-2131, ext. 221.

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