EXTREME HEAT - Heat Wave
Extreme heat is defined as temperatures at least 10 degrees above average high temperature lasting for several weeks or more. Heat kills by pushing the human body beyond its limits. In extreme heat and high humidity, evaporation is slowed and the body must work hard to maintain a normal temperature.
Most heat emergencies occur because the victim has been overexposed to heat or has over-exercised for their ae and physical condition. The elderly, young children, those who are sick or overweight are more likely to be affected.
Conditions that can trigger heat-related emergencies include stagnant conditions and poor air quality. Which means that people living in urban areas may be at greater risk from extreme heat than those living in rural areas. Also, asphalt and concrete store heat longer and gradually release heat at night, which cna produce higher nighttime temperatures known as the "urban heat island effect."
BEFORE:
1. Know the terms associated with extreme heat:
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Heat wave - Prolonged period of excessive heat, often combined with excessive humidity.
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Heat index - A number in degrees Fahrenheit 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.
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Heat cramps - Muscle 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.
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Heat exhaustion - Typically occurs when people exercise heavily or work in a hot, humid place where body fluids are lost though heavy sweating. Blood flow to the skin increases, causing flood 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.
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Heat/sun stroke - Heat stroke is life-threatening. The victim's temperature control system, which produces sweating to cool the body, tops working. The body temperature can rise so high that brain damage and death may result if the body is not cooled down quickly.
2. Consider the following emergency preparedness measures when faced with the possibility of a heat wave.
- Install window air conditioners snugly and insulate if necessary.
- Close any floor heat registers nearby and use a fan to spread cool air.
- Install temporary reflectors, such as aluminum foil covered cardboard, to reflect heat back outside and be sure to 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. Consider keeping storm windows up all year.
DURING:
1. Stay indoors as much as possible.
- If air conditioning is not available, stay on the lowest floor out of the sunshine.
- Remember that electric fans do not cool, they just blow hot air around.
2. Eat well-balanced, light and regular meals. Avoid using salt tablets unless directed to do so by a physician.
3. Drink plenty of water regularly, even if you don't feel thirsty.
- Persons who have epilepsy or heat, kidney, or liver disease, are on fluid-restrictive diets, or have a problem with fluid retention should consult a physician before increasing liquid intake.
4. Limit intake of alcoholic beverages.
- Although beer and alcoholic beverages appear to satisfy thirst, they actually cause further body dehydration.
5. Never leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles.
6. Dress in loose-fitting clothes that cover as much skin as possible.
- Lightweight, light-colored clothing reflects heat and sunlight and helps maintain a normal body temperature.
7. Protect face and heat by wearing a wide-brimmed hat.
8. Avoid too much sunshine.
- Sunburn slows the skin's ability to cool itself. Use a sunscreen lotion with an SPF of 15 or higher.
9. Avoid strenuous work during the warmest part of the day. Use a buddy system when working in extreme heat and take frequent breaks.
10. Spend at least two hours per day in an air-conditioned place. If your home is not air conditioned, consider spending the warmest part of the day in public buildings such as libraries, schools, movie theaters, shopping malls and other community facilities.
11. Check on family, friends, and neighbors who do not have air conditioning and who spend much of their time alone.
