Extreme Heat

Extreme heat is a period of high heat and humidity with temperatures above 90 degrees for at least two to three days. In extreme heat your body works extra hard to maintain a normal temperature, which can lead to death. In fact, extreme heat is responsible for the highest number of annual deaths among all weather-related hazards.

Remember:

• Extreme heat can occur quickly and without warning.
• Older adults, children and sick or overweight individuals are at greater risk from extreme heat.
• Humidity increases the feeling of heat as measured by a heat index.

 

 IF YOU ARE UNDER AN EXTREME HEAT WARNING:

• Find air conditioning.
• Avoid strenuous activities.
• Wear light clothing.
• Check on family members and neighbors.
• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Watch for heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
• Never leave people or pets in a closed car.

 

HOW TO STAY SAFE WHEN EXTREME HEAT THREATENS

 

Prepare NOW

• Find places in your community where you can go to get cool.
• Keep your home cool:
• Cover windows with drapes or shades.
• Weather-strip doors and windows.
• Use window reflectors, such as aluminum foil-covered cardboard, to reflect heat back outside.
• Add insulation to keep the heat out.
• Use attic fans to clear hot air.
• Install window air conditioners and insulate around them.
• Learn to recognize the signs of heat-related illness.

 

Be Safe DURING

• Never leave a child, adult or animal alone inside a vehicle on a warm day.
• Find places with air conditioning. Libraries, shopping malls and community centers can provide a cool place to take a break from the heat.
• If you’re outside, find shade. Wear a hat wide enough to protect your face.
• Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
• Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. If you or someone you care for is on a special diet, ask a doctor how best to accommodate it.
• Do not use electric fans when the temperature outside is more than 95 degrees, as it could increase the risk of heat-related illness. Fans create air flow and a false sense of comfort, but do not reduce body temperature.
• Avoid high-energy activities.
• Check yourself, family members and neighbors for signs of heat-related illness.

 

Recognize and Respond

Know the signs of heat-related illness and how to respond to it.

 

HEAT CRAMPS

• Signs: Muscle pains or spasms in the stomach, arms or legs
• Actions: Go to a cooler location. Remove excess clothing. Take sips of cool sports drinks with salt and sugar. Get medical help if cramps last more than an hour.

 

HEAT EXHAUSTION

• Signs: Heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, dizziness, headache, fainting, nausea, vomiting
• Actions: Go to an air-conditioned place and lie down. Loosen or remove clothing. Take a cool bath. Take sips of cool sports drinks with salt and sugar. Get medical help if symptoms get worse or last more than an hour.

 

HEAT STROKE

• Signs:
• Extremely high body temperature (above 103 degrees) taken orally 
• Red, hot and dry skin with no sweat
• Rapid, strong pulse
• Dizziness, confusion or unconsciousness

• Actions: Call 9-1-1 or get the person to a hospital immediately. Cool down with whatever methods are available until medical help arrives.