How to stay safe during this week’s heat wave

With temperatures this week forecast to reach near record highs, it’s important to know how to stay safe in the heat. From the elderly to young children to those who work outside or have certain health conditions, the heat affects us all differently.

Dr. Ian Tullberg with UC Urgent Care explains some of the symptoms of heat exhaustion.

“You can get even some goosebumps, cold clammy skin, which might not seem to make a lot of sense but you sure can. And number one: you’re ridiculously thirsty and sweating out quite a bit,” he said.

If you start to experience any of these symptoms, it’s time to move inside or in some cases get medical attention. Children and the elderly are the most susceptible to heat-related illnesses. Make sure to keep in touch with family and friends in those high-risk groups. And don’t forget to ingest your electrolytes and sodium.

“When you sweat, you lose those electrolytes, you lose that salt. You need to replenish those things because ultimately if you drink so much water, and don’t replace anything else, your sodium levels can fall and you can start experiencing some of those symptoms, nausea, vomiting.” said Tullberg.

Temperatures are expected to remain in the 90s for Colorado Springs through the workweek, and in the low 100s for the Arkansas River Valley.