What should be done if you are at risk of heat stress?

Monitoring temperature and humidity is essential in identifying potential heat stress conditions. By keeping track of the environmental factors that contribute to heat stress, individuals can make informed decisions about their activity levels, hydration needs, and breaks. Understanding the combination of temperature and humidity helps to assess the heat index, which indicates how hot it feels and the risk of heat-related illnesses. This awareness allows for timely interventions, such as taking breaks, finding shade or cooler environments, and ensuring adequate hydration to prevent heat-related issues.

Engaging in rigorous physical activity, staying indoors without breaks, and consuming alcohol are counterproductive approaches that can exacerbate heat stress rather than mitigate it. Engaging in strenuous activities increases body heat and dehydration risk, while remaining indoors without breaks can limit opportunities to cool down. Alcohol consumption can lead to dehydration, which increases the risk of heat-related illnesses, making these actions inappropriate for managing heat stress effectively.