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weather-update-extreme-high-temperature-
weather-update-extreme-high-temperature-

extreme heat

Extreme Heat often results in the highest number of annual deaths among all weather-related hazards. In most of the United States, extreme heat is defined as a long period (2 to 3 days) of high heat and humidity with temperatures above 90 degrees. In extreme heat, evaporation is slowed and the body must work extra hard to maintain a normal temperature. This can lead to death by overworking the human body. Remember that:

  • 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.

  • Watch for heat illness.

  • 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.

 

prepare now

  • Find places in your community where you can go to get cool.

  • Keep your home cool by doing the following:

    • 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 this 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 the ways 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, nausea or vomiting, or fainting

  • 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 911 or get the person to a hospital immediately. Cool down with whatever methods are available until medical help arrives.

 

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