Prepare for Hot Weather
Preparing for Very Hot Weather
One of the best ways to prevent heat illness is to be prepared for very hot weather. There are several things you can do to get yourself, family, home, and community ready to stay cool.
At-risk Groups
Who should worry about heat illness?
Some people are more likely to get sick from heat and should take extra care to keep cool when it is hot out.
What to Do: In general, make sure people have access to air conditioning, monitor them for signs of serious illness, encourage them to drink more fluids, and talk with their health care provider if they take medications.
Caregivers, relatives, and neighbors need to check on people that are not able to take care of themselves during hot weather.
Recognize Heat Illness
Heat-related illnesses happen when your body cannot cool itself. Some heat illnesses are mild, like heat rash, sunburn, and heat cramps. Others like heat stroke, heat exhaustion, and dehydration can be severe or even life-threatening and may require emergency medical care.
Find out about each type of heat illness and what you can do if you think you or someone else is sick because of heat.
Heat-Related Illness
Here in Maine, we don't have very hot weather too often. So when it does get really hot, we are more likely to become sick from heat. This is because our bodies are not used to high heat, and many of our homes and buildings do not have air conditioning.
Certain people like older adults, infants, pregnant women, and people who have chronic diseases or who are sick already may feel much worse or have serious problems in extreme heat.
Climate and Health
Maine's climate, like the rest of the world's, is changing, and these changes may have a significant impact on the health of Maine people. A warming climate will lead to more frequent and extreme weather events and may contribute to longer pollen seasons and further spread of vectorborne diseases.
Parents
Free Lead Dust Tests
Maine CDC offers free home lead dust test kits to families with young children or children on the way. Order a free home lead dust test kit. Watch our video to see how to do the test.
Provider Approval for In-Office Blood Testing
Approval Criteria
Providers must have approval from the Maine Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (CLPPP) before they can begin in-office testing.
- Proof of current use of ImmPact2 Immunization Registry.
- Written protocols for testing a patient's blood lead and reporting results to the patient's parent/guardian within the same office visit and the reporting of test results to CLPPP within 48 hours.
- CLIA Certificate of Waiver.
How to Apply for Approval
To apply for approval, submit an application by mail or email to:
VFC/AVP Programs
Vaccines for Children
Ensuring children are up to date on vaccinations is critical for protecting their health and preventing the spread of diseases. The Maine CDC Immunization Program provides access to vaccines recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S. CDC) for children and adolescents. This ensures all Maine children can be protected regardless of their family's ability to pay.
Food Related Illnesses
Foodborne and diarrheal diseases are caused by consuming food or beverages that are contaminated by bacteria, viruses, or parasites. Some diseases may be caused by toxins or chemicals if they are present in the food. Individuals may also be exposed to these same pathogens through recreational water sports, contact with animals, and through person-to-person spread.
Resources: Drinking Water State Revolving Fund
The Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) is a State-operated program that provides financial assistance to Maine public water systems, helping to ensure safe drinking water and provide essential public health protection. Funding for drinking water infrastructure improvement projects -- upgrading or replacing water system pipes, treatment plants, storage tanks, and sources of water -- is available as low interest loans. Disadvantaged Community Water Systems may receive further assistance through principal forgiveness.