Consider the heat Published June 16, 2010 By Staff Sgt. Shane Ellis 315th AW Public Affairs CHARLESTON, S.C. -- Temperatures and heat indexes are predicted to remain extreme during the day for the remainder of the week. Please take some time and review the heat stress guidance information below and remember to use caution throughout the summer when working or exercising outdoors. Heat Stress Symptoms: Heat stress symptoms include muscle cramps, headache, dizziness and nausea. Heat Stress First Aid: Remove to shaded area, loosen clothing, drink cool water, cool body with water. To Avoid Heat Stress: 1. Replace salt by eating 3 meals a day. Do not take salt tablets. 2. Medication and illness may affect how your body takes the heat. 3. Workers with heat injury history are at a higher risk. 4. Vigorous exercise, eating well, enough sleep, and hydrating are the best defense. 5. Rest areas should be in a shaded, cool area. 6. The body uses water better every 20 minutes than all at once. 7. Avoid dehydrating beverages: coffee, alcohol, and caffeinated soft drinks. Generally, clear odorless urine indicates good hydration. Heat Stress Countermeasures Chart: Stage Flag Activity WBGT (°F) Work Rest 3 Yellow Non-acclimated 85-87.9 35mins 25mins Acclimated 45mins 15mins 4 Red Non-acclimated 88-89.9 20mins 40mins Acclimated 30mins 30mins 5 Black Both 90-Above 20mins 40mins For more information, please refer to Air Force Pamphlet 48-151, at http://www.e-publishing.af.mil/shared/media/epubs/AFPAM48-151.pdf Stay up to date with the 315th Airlift Wing at http://www.315aw.afrc.af.mil/. Follow the 315th on Facebook and Twitter.