Are You Ready for a Heat Wave?

Know What These Terms Mean . . .

• Heat wave: Prolonged period of excessive heat and humidity. In the United States, the National Weather Service steps up its procedures to alert the public during these periods of excessive heat and humidity.
• Heat index: A number in degrees Fahrenheit that tells how hot it really feels when relative humidity os added to the actual air temperature. Exposure to full sunshine can increase the heat index by 15 degrees F.
• Heat cramps: Heat cramps are muscular pains and spasms due to heavy exertion. They usually involve the abdominal muscles or legs. It is generally thought that the loss of water from heavy sweating causes the cramps.
• Heat exhaustion: Heat exhaustion typically occurs when people exercise heavily or work in a warm 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 result 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: Heat stroke is life-threatening. 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.
• Sunstroke: Another term for heat stroke.

 

If a Heat Wave Is Predicted or Happening . . .

• Slow down. Avoid strenuous activity. If you must do strenuous activity, do it during the coolest part of the day, which is usually in the morning between 4 a.m. and 7 a.m.
• Stay indoors as much as possible. If air conditioning is not available, stay on the lowest floor, out of the sunshine. Remember, electric fans do not cool the air, but they do help sweat evaporate, which cools your body.
• Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. Light colors will reflect away some of the sun's energy. Drink plenty of water regularly and often. Your body needs water to keep cool.
• Drink plenty of fluids even if you do not feel thirsty.
• Water is the safest liquid to drink during heat emergencies. Avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine in them. They can make you feel good briefly, but make the heat's effects on your body worse. This is especially true about beer, which actually dehydrates the body.
• Eat small meals and eat more often. Avoid foods that are high in protein, which increase metabolic heat.
• Avoid using salt tablets unless directed to do so by a physician.

 

Signals of Heat Emergencies . . .

• Heat exhaustion: Cool, moist, pale or flushed skin; heavy sweating; headache; nausea or vomiting; dizziness; and exhaustion. Body temperature will be near normal.
• Heat stroke: Hot, red skin; changes in consciousness; rapid, weak pulse; and rapid, shallow breathing. Body temperature can be very high -- sometimes as high as 105 degrees F. If the person was sweating from heavy work or exercise, skin may be wet; otherwise, it will feel dry.

Treatment of Heat Emergencies ...

• Heat cramps: Get the person to a cooler place and have him or her rest in a comfortable position. Lightly stretch the affected muscle and replenish fluids. Give a half glass of cool water every 15 minutes. Do not give liquids with alcohol or caffeine in them, as they can make conditions worse.
• Heat exhaustion: Get the person out of the heat and into a cooler place. Remove or loosen tight clothing and apply cool, wet cloths, such as towels or sheets. If the person is conscious, give cool water to drink. Make sure the person drinks slowly. Give a half glass of cool water every 15 minutes. Do not give liquids that contain alcohol or caffeine. Let the victim rest in a comfortable position, and watch carefully for changes in his or her condition.
• Heat stroke: Heat stroke is a life-threatening situation. Help is needed fast. Call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number. Move the person to a cooler place. Quickly cool the body. Immerse victim in a cool bath, or wrap wet sheets around the body and fan it. Watch for signals of breathing problems. Keep the person lying down and continue to cool the body any way you can. If the victim refuses water, is vomiting, or there are changes in the level of consciousness, do not give anything to eat or drink.

 

Plan and Get Ready

Heat can affect anyone. However, it is more likely to affect young children, elderly people and people with health problems. For instance, people with a medical condition that causes poor blood circulation, and those who take medications to get rid of water from the body (diuretics) or for certain skin conditions, may be more susceptible. Consult with a physician if you have any questions about how your medication may affect your ability to tolerate heat.

Be prepared for heat emergencies by having various members of the family do the activities on the checklist below. then get together to discuss and finalize your "Your Family Disaster Plan".

 

____Discuss what each member of the family would do during a heat wave. Where are the safest and coolest places to be at home? . . .at work? . . . at school? . . . and in other places where you may go?
Coolest place at home:________________________________________________

____If your home does not have air conditioning, choose other places you go to get relief from the heat during the warmest part of the day.
Cool places to go to avoid heat:________________________________________________

____Plan changes in your daily activities that would be needed to avoid strenuous work during the warmest part of the day.
Changes to daily activities:________________________________________________

____Plan to wear lightweight; light-colored clothing.
Clothing choices:________________________________________________

____Some family members may be taking medications or have medical conditions that may cause poor blood circulation or reduced ability to tolerate heat. Discuss these concerns with a physician.
Physician's special recommendations:________________________________________________

____Take an American Red Cross first-aid course to learn how to treat heat emergencies and other emergencies.
Household member(s) trained in first aid:________________________________________________
Certifications good through:________________________________________________