INDIANAPOLIS—While temperatures have recently cooled as many as 20 degrees in some Indiana counties, the Indiana Department of Homeland Security is advising Hoosiers not to be fooled into complacency by how much cooler it feels.

Compared to 100 plus degrees, 85 degrees can feel relatively comfortable, but it’s important to remember that temperatures are still dangerously high.

Inside vehicles, temperatures can still quickly rise to fatally high levels. Children, pets and elderly individuals should never be left alone inside a vehicle. Even if all the windows are rolled down and the driver only intends to be away from the vehicle for a moment, it only takes a short time for temperatures to climb as high as a kitchen oven. Anyone, especially children and elderly individuals, can quickly succumb to heat related illness and death.

Hoosiers are also advised to avoid returning to normal levels of outdoor activity too quickly. Officials say that even with the recent cool down, it’s still warm enough to warrant a slower pace and extra hydration.

Tips for staying safe in warm weather

• Wear loose-fitting, light colored clothing.
• Drink plenty of water (avoid alcoholic or carbonated beverages.)
• If air conditioning is not available at home, try to spend some time each day in an air conditioned public facility such as a library, shopping center, community center, theatre, etc. Even a few hours spent in air conditioning can help the human body stay cooler. Check locally to see if there are any heat-relief shelters.

Symptoms of Heat Related Illness

• Muscle cramps
• Body temperature over 102°F
• Flushed looking appearance
• Nausea and vomiting
• Weakness
• Fatigue
• Faint feeling
• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Unresponsiveness, or seizures

Someone suffering from heat related illness should be moved to a cool place to rest and drink water or a sports drink (nothing carbonated). Cool, wet washcloths or icepacks will help with recovery. If there is no improvement, the body temperature won’t go down, or the person won’t take fluids, go to the emergency room immediately or call 911.

For more heat safety tips, visit GetPrepared.in.gov.

IDHS coordinates the training and certification of all EMS personnel in Indiana, and oversees the regular inspection of all emergency medical transports and the required medical equipment on those transport vehicles to ensure the equipment is present and properly maintained.

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Contact information for media only:

IDHS: John Erickson or Emily Norcross 317-234-6713, pio@dhs.in.gov