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How to prepare for
Extreme Heat
Heat kills by pushing the human body beyond its limits. In
extreme heat and high humidity, evaporation is slowed and the
body must work extra hard to maintain a normal temperature.
Most heat disorders occur because the victim has been
overexposed to heat or has over-exercised for his or her age and
physical condition. Older adults, young children, and those who
are sick or overweight are more likely to succumb to extreme
heat.
Conditions that can induce heat-related illnesses include
stagnant atmospheric conditions and poor air quality.
Consequently, people living in urban areas may be at greater
risk from the effects of a prolonged heat wave than those living
in rural areas. Also, asphalt and concrete store heat longer and
gradually release heat at night, which can produce higher
nighttime temperatures known as the "urban heat island effect."
Emergency
Information
Heat kills by pushing the human body beyond its limits. Under
normal conditions, the body's internal thermostat produces
perspiration that evaporates and cools the body. However, in
extreme heat and high humidity, evaporation is slowed and the
body must work extra hard to maintain a normal temperature.
Most heat disorders occur because the victim has been
overexposed to heat or has overexercised for his or her age and
physical condition. Other conditions that can induce
heat-related illnesses include stagnant atmospheric conditions
and poor air quality.
A prolonged drought can have a serious economic impact on a
community. Increased demand for water and electricity may result
in shortages of resources. Moreover, food shortages may occur if
agricultural production is damaged or destroyed by a loss of
crops or livestock.
What
is Extreme Heat?
Temperatures that hover 10 degrees or more above the average
high temperature for the region and last for several weeks are
defined as extreme heat. Humid or muggy conditions, which add to
the discomfort of high temperatures, occur when a "dome" of high
atmospheric pressure traps hazy, damp air near the ground.
Excessively dry and hot conditions can provoke dust storms and
low visibility. Droughts occur when a long period passes without
substantial rainfall. A heat wave combined with a drought is a
very dangerous situation.
Did You Know...
Young children, elderly people, and those who are sick or
overweight are more likely to become victims.
Because men sweat more than women, men are more susceptible to
heat illness because they become more quickly dehydrated.
Sunburn can significantly slow the skin's ability to release
excess heat.
People living in urban areas may be at a greater risk from the
effects of a prolonged heat wave than people living in rural
regions. An increased health problem can occur when stagnant
atmospheric conditions trap pollutants in urban areas, thus
adding contaminated air to excessively hot temperatures.
Extreme Heat: definition of
terms
Heat Wave
Prolonged period of excessive heat, often combined with
excessive humidity.
Heat Index
A number in degrees Fahrenheit (F) that tells how hot it feels
when relative humidity is added to the air temperature. Exposure
to full sunshine can increase the heat index by 15 degrees.
Heat Cramps
Muscular pains and spasms due to heavy exertion. Although heat
cramps are the least severe, they are often the first signal
that the body is having trouble with the heat.
Heat Exhaustion
Typically occurs when people exercise heavily or work in a hot,
humid place where body fluids are lost through heavy sweating.
Blood flow to the skin increases, causing blood flow to decrease
to the vital organs. This results in a form of mild shock. If
not treated, the victim’s condition will worsen. Body
temperature will keep rising and the victim may suffer heat
stroke.
Heat Stroke
A life-threatening condition. The victim’s temperature control
system, which produces sweating to cool the body, stops working.
The body temperature can rise so high that brain damage and
death may result if the body is not cooled quickly.
Sun Stroke
Another term for heat stroke.
What to do
before
extreme heat
To prepare for
extreme heat, you should:
Install window air conditioners snugly; insulate if necessary.
Check air-conditioning ducts for proper insulation.
Install temporary window reflectors (for use between windows and
drapes), such as aluminum foil-covered cardboard, to reflect
heat back outside.
Weather-strip doors and sills to keep cool air in.
Cover windows that receive morning or afternoon sun with drapes,
shades, awnings, or louvers. (Outdoor awnings or louvers can
reduce the heat that enters a home by up to 80 percent.)
What to do
during a Heat Emergency
What you should do
if the weather is extremely hot:
Stay indoors as much as possible and limit exposure to the sun.
Stay on the lowest floor out of the sunshine if air conditioning
is not available.
Consider spending the warmest part of the day in public
buildings such as libraries, schools, movie theaters, shopping
malls, and other community facilities. Circulating air can cool
the body by increasing the perspiration rate of evaporation.
Eat well-balanced, light, and regular meals. Avoid using salt
tablets unless directed to do so by a physician.
Drink plenty of water. Persons who have epilepsy or heart,
kidney, or liver disease; are on fluid-restricted diets; or have
a problem with fluid retention should consult a doctor before
increasing liquid intake.
Limit intake of alcoholic beverages.
Dress in loose-fitting, lightweight, and light-colored clothes
that cover as much skin as possible.
Protect face and head by wearing a wide-brimmed hat.
Never leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles.
Avoid strenuous work during the warmest part of the day. Use a
buddy system when working in extreme heat, and take frequent
breaks.
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