SAFETY RULES TO SURVIVE THE WEATHER

About 175 people die in this country every year due to excessive heat. When the Heat Index gets above 90 then it is time to take some precautions:

• Slow down. Strenuous activities should be reduced, eliminated or rescheduled to the coolist time of day. Individuals at risk should stay in the coolest available place, not necessarily indoors.

• Increase your intake of non-alcoholic, non-carbonated, caffeine free beverages such as water and juice.

• Wear clothing that is light in color and loose fitting.

• Avoid the outdoors during extreme heat. Stay out of the sun.

• Stay in an air-conditioned environment if possible. Shopping malls offer relief if your home is not air-conditioned.

• Check on the elderly. They are especially susceptible to heat related illness.

• Eliminate strenuous activity such as running, biking and lawn care work when it heats up.

• Eat less foods that increase metabolic activity/heat. Proteins are an example. Increased metabolic heat increases water loss.

• Do not take salt tablets unless specified by a physician. Persons on salt restrictive diets should consult a physician before increasing their salt intake.

Heat Related Illnesses and Their Symptoms

Sunburn:

Redness and pain in the skin. In severe cases there is also swelling, blisters, fever, and headaches.

Heat Cramps:

Heavy sweating and painful spasms usually in the leg or abdomen muscles.

Heat Exhaustion:

The person becomes weak and is sweating heavily. The skin is cold, pale and clammy. The pulse becomes thready. Fainting and vomiting accompanies heat exhaustion.

Heatstroke/Sunstroke:

High body temperature (106 degrees or higher) along with hot dry skin and a rapid and strong pulse. Unconsciousness is possible.

Heat Wave Brochure

Heat Wave, A Major Summer Killer was produced as a cooperative effort of NOAA’s National Weather Service, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and the American Red Cross. Click on the image to view or download the heat wave brochure.