With heat wave on the way, experts warn it's a 'silent killer'

DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) -- Heat can be a silent killer, and with another heat wave on the way, people at the Forest Hills pool are finding ways to cool off.

"We've been down here this week because this week has been a scorcher," said Wilbert Smith. "It's been helping. They've been cool. They are happy when they come here. That's why I brought them."

It's Smith's second time this week bringing his grandkids and nephew to the pool. His nephew Mark Melton, 10, said the pool helps him cool off and stay social.

"Seeing them again and making new friends. It could be a new friend for life or just a day," he said.

In the shaded area of the pool, ABC11 met a group of teachers who were drinking their water and minding their business after going for a swim.

"It's been real hot and I'm excited to be out here hanging with some lovely teacher friends. I think you have to be careful with how long you're out in the sun and what you're doing," said Natalie Kolosieke.

ALSO SEE Heat Safety Tips: Ways to stay cool during the heat wave

According to experts, it's critical to catch the signs of heat exhaustion early. Symptoms include muscle cramps, sweating, headache, feeling irritable, dizziness, confusion, or vomiting. Experts said everyone is vulnerable to extreme heat, but men show up most to emergency rooms across the state every year due to heat exhaustion because they are more likely to work outdoors.

"If it moves to where someone gets confused, loses consciousness, or vomits, this is heat stroke territory," said Dr. Ashley Ward, director of Duke University's Heat Policy Innovation Hub. "Our heat seasons now are much more dangerous than they used to be, in large part because our humidity is so high. When it's high, it makes it hard for bodies to thermoregulate. We can't sweat, and that sweat evaporates into the atmosphere like it's designed to do to cool us off."

Dr. Ward said ways to cool off include using air conditioning, staying hydrated, taking cold showers and foot baths, using fans or wet cloths for the body.

If there's a neighborhood pool like in Forest Hills, you might want to consider taking Melton's word.

"It feels good to go in the pool," he said.