EXTREME HEAT SAFETY

What is a Heat Wave?

A heat wave is a prolonged period of excessive heat, with or without high humidity. In most of the US, it's defined as a long period (2 to 3 days) of high heat and humidity with temperatures above 90 degrees.

People suffer heat related illnesses when their bodies can't properly cool themselves, which is typically done by sweating. Extreme heat can buckle pavement, warp railway tracks, and impact everything from electrical grids, water consumption, transportation, and crops.

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What to Do During a Heat Wave

Stay cool. Remain indoors as much as possible, with air conditioning. Do any strenuous activity between 4AM - 7AM. Never leave people or pets in a closed car.

Dress light. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing, and a hat to protect your face.

Drink often. Heavy sweating removes salt and minerals from the body so drink plenty of water or sports drinks regularly. Avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine.

Eat often. Eat small meals and eat more often, avoiding foods that are high in protein, which increase metabolic heat.

Symptoms of Heat Emergencies

Heat cramps: Per WebMD, heat cramps are painful, brief muscle cramps. Muscles may spasm or jerk involuntarily.

Sunburn: Red, painful, and very warm skin. Worse case will include a fever and blisters.

Heat exhaustion: Cool, moist, pale, or flushed skin, heavy sweating, headache, nausea, dizziness, and exhaustion. Body temperature will be near normal.

Heat stroke: Extremely high body temperature (above 103 degrees). Red, hot, and dry skin with no sweat, rapid pulse, dizziness, confusion, or unconsciousness.

How to Treat Heat Emergencies

Heat Cramps

  • Go to a cooler location.
  • Remove excess clothing.
  • Drink cool water or an electrolyte-containing sports drink.
  • Get medical help if cramps last more than an hour.

Sunburn

  • Apply cold compresses or immerse the sunburned area in cool water.
  • Apply moisturizing lotion to affected areas.
  • DO NOT use butter or ointment.
  • DO NOT break blisters.

Heat Exhaustion

  • Get the person to a cooler place. Remove tight clothing and apply cool, wet cloths.
  • If the person is conscious, give them cool liquids every 15 minutes.
  • Get medical help if symptoms get worse or last 1+ hours.

Heat Stroke

  • Call 911.
  • Immerse victim in a cool bath, or wrap wet sheets around the body and fan it.
  • If vomiting, do not provide food or drinks.

Don't be caught unprepared!

Looking for a more comprehensive list of heat wave safety tips? Download the Ready.gov Extreme Heat Info Sheet.

 

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SEVERE Weather Safety

  contact@severeweathersafety.com
  Griffin, Georgia

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