With a subtropical hot desert climate, Las Vegas is very dry throughout the year. Furthermore, the average temperature is above 80°F for 7 months of the year and the summer months typically have a triple-digit high. These factors combine to make heat illness in Las Vegas unfortunately common.
To help you and your family avoid heat illness, the Las Vegas injury lawyers at ER Injury Attorney offer five vital safety tips. If you have suffered heat illness and believe that it was caused by a negligent property owner or entity then contact us for immediate assistance at 702-878-7878.
What Is Heat Illness?
Heat illnesses are a variety of maladies caused by excessive heat. They can range from mild ailments that can affect you for a few hours to severe cases that can have long term effects on your health. Examples of heat-related illnesses include:
- Heat Cramps: this is one of the most common types of heat illnesses. It occurs when excessive sweating depletes the body’s salt and moisture levels. Low salt levels in muscles can cause debilitating and painful cramps.
- Heat Exhaustion: another ailment that happens due to excessive sweating, heat exhaustion happens when a person loses too much salt and water from their body, leaving them feeling drained and, in extreme cases, unable to move. Elderly people, construction workers, outdoor athletes, and those that suffer from high-blood pressure are particularly susceptible to heat exhaustion.
- Rhabdomyolysis: also known as rhabdo, this heat illness causes the rapid breakdown, rupture, and death of muscle. When muscle tissue dies, electrolytes and large proteins are released into a person’s bloodstream. This can lead to irregular heart rhythms, seizures, and kidney damage.
- Heat Stroke: one of the most serious heat illnesses, heat stroke happens when the body can no longer regulate its temperature. This can lead to body temperatures as high as 106°F. If not treated quickly, heat stroke can lead to permanent disability or death.
Those are just some heat-related illnesses our personal injury lawyers have encountered in clients. As you can see, heat illness in Las Vegas can range from minor ailments to catastrophic injuries. While the consequences can be severe, heat sickness is also highly preventable. Please follow the safety tips below to stay safe in the Las Vegas heat.
Five Tips to Avoid Heat Illness in Las Vegas
To stay safe in the desert heat, ER Injury Attorneys recommends the following:
1) Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of fluids with electrolytes throughout the day. Water or lightly sweetened drinks are best, while alcoholic beverages and heavily caffeinated drinks can actually contribute to dehydration. Try to hydrate at least every hour. If you’re feeling thirsty then chances are that you’re already dehydrated.
2) Stay Inside During Avoid Peak Heat Hours
Whenever possible, schedule your outdoor activities during cooler times of the day. For Las Vegas, this is typically around 3:00 p.m., though many record-high temperatures have been recorded later in the day. If you have outdoor activities on your agenda, try to plan them for the early morning or evening.
3) Take Breaks and Find Shade
If you’re spending time outdoors or walking through large Las Vegas resorts then take regular breaks in shaded areas or places with strong air conditioning. A short rest in a cooler environment allows your body to recover from heat exposure and helps prevent heat illness in Las Vegas.
4) Dress Appropriately
Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, and light-colored clothing that allows your body to breathe and promotes airflow. Opt for breathable fabrics that wick away moisture and help keep you cool, such as nylon or polyester. Wearing a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses can also provide protection from the sun when you’re outdoors.
5) Be Mindful of Physical Exertion
Remember to listen to your body. Avoid pushing yourself too hard in extreme heat. If you start to feel even slightly fatigued then take a break. If you start to feel overheated then find a shaded area or air-conditioned environment. Doing so can mean the difference between feeling recovered and suffering heat sickness.
Contact ER Injury Attorneys
The team at ER Injury Attorneys hopes that you have a better understanding of heat illness in Las Vegas and what you can do to protect yourself. Unfortunately, there can be situations where you can suffer from heat-related illness through no fault of your own. For example, if you’re at a venue where the air conditioning fails and the owner does notify you or provide alternative cooling methods then they may be liable for damages. If you believe this has happened to you then contact us at once.
You can reach ER Injury Attorneys 24/7 by phone at 702-878-7878 or online through LiveChat or encrypted contact form to start your free, no obligation consultation. Our lawyers represent accident victims throughout Nevada, including Las Vegas, Henderson, Summerlin, Pahrump, Boulder City, Laughlin, and beyond. For an unbeatable combination of high-quality legal services, stellar customer care, and maximum settlements, ER Injury Attorneys is the choice for you.