Extreme temperatures can cause serious, potentially fatal health problems. People can help prevent heat-related illness by keeping cool and drinking plenty of liquids. According to the
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, extreme heat causes more weather-related deaths in the U.S. than all other forms of severe weather combined.
Protect yourself and your family during hot weather:
- Drink more fluids than usual – but avoid fluids that contain alcohol or large amounts of sugar.
- Check with your doctor if you have been advised to limit your intake of fluids or placed on diuretics ("water pills").
- Stay indoors – in an air-conditioned location, if possible. If your home is not air-conditioned, spending a few hours a day in an air-conditioned public place like a public library or shopping mall will help your body cope with the heat.
- Don't rely on electric fans – they may make you more comfortable, but don't do much to prevent heat-related illness.
- Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
- Never leave people – or animals – in a closed, parked vehicle.
- Check regularly on people who may be at higher risk of heat-related illness – infants and young children, people over 65, people with mental illness, and people with chronic health problems like heart disease or high blood pressure.
- If you must spend time outdoors, try to limit your activity to morning and evening. Try to take rest breaks in shady areas.
- Limit physical exercise. Again, when you do exercise, be sure to take in plenty of fluids.
- When you're outdoors, wear hats and use sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun.
What is a "heat advisory?"
The
National Weather Service issues a heat advisory when a heat index of 105 to 115 is expected for at least three hours every day, or if nighttime lows are expected to remain above 80 for at least two consecutive nights.
Who is at risk from heat-related illnesses?
In a heat wave, the majority of victims are older individuals and people with pre-existing and chronic medical conditions. Others at greater risk from extreme temperatures include
children and pregnant women and people who are taking certain regular medications. Individuals who work in a high-heat environment or people engaged in strenuous physical activity also should take special precautions. However, even young, healthy individuals are susceptible.
What problems can arise from heat?
Two major types of heat-related illness exist. Heat exhaustion is non-life-threatening; heat stroke is potentially fatal.
What are the signs of heat exhaustion?
Early warning signs of heat exhaustion include decreased energy, slight loss of appetite, faintness, light-headedness and nausea. People with these symptoms should seek a cool place, drink fluids, remove excess clothing and rest. Heat stress needs attention, but it is not a medical emergency.
What are the signs of heat stroke?
Serious signs that indicate a medical emergency and require immediate medical attention include unconsciousness, rapid heartbeat, throbbing headache, dry skin, chest pain, mental confusion, irritability, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle cramps, staggering and difficulty breathing. If you need any medical assistance, dial 911, move the heat-stressed person to a cool area and remove his or her excess clothing, spray the individual with water and fan him or her until help arrives.