Aug 28, 2013
- Read the September issue of Hawk Talk Monthly
- 2013 Signing Day Central
- Hawkeyes in the NFL
- Download your Iowa Hawkeye iPhone/iPad app!
- Download your Iowa Hawkeye Android app!
- Big Ten Network: Free Hawkeye Video
- 24 Hawkeyes to Watch
Iowa Department of Public Health Press Release 
IOWA CITY, Iowa — Fans planning on attending Saturday’s University of Iowa football home opener against Northern Illinois in Kinnick Stadium are encouraged to take extra precautions due to excessive heat that is forecasted in eastern Iowa.
The following adjustments and precautions have been made for the safety of fans attending Saturday’s game.
? Cooling stations will be available at all corners of the stadium, equipped with tents for shade, misting stations and cold towels
? Fans may bring in more than one sealed bottle of water
? Fans can purchase bottled water for a reduced price of $2 inside the stadium
? Fans can bring in an empty reusable water bottle and refill at drinking fountains
? Additional paramedics on-site and on-call
? Carver-Hawkeye Arena, Recreation Building, and the Field House all open at 8:00 a.m.
The Iowa Department of Public Health reminds everyone to wear light colored clothes that breath well, apply plenty of sunscreen, wear a hat, and drink plenty of water and/or electrolyte type fluids such as Gatorade, and to avoid caffeine and alcohol. Also, seek areas of shade as much as possible, and to utilize the outdoor cooling areas that will be setup around the venue. For those with preexisting medical conditions, local officials ask you to “consider participating in the weekend’s game by watching or listening to the game from a local business or from home”, “with the heat indexes predicted for this weekend, expected to be in the triple digits, we want our fans to be safe and that especially goes for those with health challenges”, “this is probably not the best weekend to attend the game in person if you have medical issues that could be compounded by the triple digit heat”, say local officials”.
To protect your health when temperatures and humidity are high, remember to keep cool and use common sense. The following tips are important:
? Increase fluid intake, regardless of your activity level.
? Fans are strongly encouraged to begin hydrating several days before game day… 1-3 bottles of water Wednesday, Thursday and Friday will help come game day.
? If experiencing a lot of sweating, replace salt and minerals by eating foods like bananas, or drink rehydrating beverages that contain salts and electrolytes such as sports drinks, and special rehydration fluids.
? Choose lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing and wear sunscreen.
? Fans are strongly encouraged to tailgate responsibly.
? Wear hats that shade your face such as sun hats, visors, etc.
? Stay in the shade or air conditioned areas as much as possible.
? Work slowly if you are not used to working or exercising in heat and humidity. Stop immediately if you get dizzy, nauseated, or feel weak. Go into an air conditioned space and drink cool liquids.
? Use a buddy system. Watch others for heat-induced illness, since some people may not realize that they are suffering heat-related illnesses and can become confused or lose consciousness.
