Hot Weather

What Is Extreme Heat?

Extreme heat conditions are generally defined as summertime temperatures that are substantially hotter and/or more humid than the average for your location for that time of year.  Humid or "muggy" conditions add to the level of discomfort that is due to high temperatures.  Extremely dry and hot conditions can provide the environmental conditions that place your body under extreme stress.  The body normally cools itself through the process of sweating.  Sweating requires the loss of body fluids.  The inability of the body to reduce body temperature, replace lost body fluids, and thus properly compensate for extreme heat gain results in a rapid rise of body temperature.  The rapid rise in body temperatures may result in damage to the brain or to other vital organs or a heat related illness; sometimes death.

Several factors affect the body's ability to cool itself during extremely hot weather. When the humidity is high, sweat will not evaporate as quickly.  This prevents the body from releasing heat quickly. Other conditions related to the risk of heat related illness include age, obesity, fever, dehydration, heart disease, mental illness, poor circulation, sunburn, and prescription drug and alcohol use.

Heat-related deaths are preventable!  You need to be aware of who is at greatest risk and what actions can be taken to prevent a heat-related illness or death.

ARE YOU AT RISK?  ARE YOU PRONE TO HEAT STRESS?
          The elderly (65 years and older)
          The very young (infants & children)
          People with mental illness
          People with chronic diseases
          However, even young and healthy individuals can succumb to heat if they participate in strenuous physical activities during hot weather. Air-conditioning is the number one protective factor against heat-related illness and death. If a home is not air-conditioned, people can reduce their risk for heat-related illness by spending time in public facilities that are air-conditioned.

During Hot Weather

  • Heavy sweating removes salt and minerals from the body

  • Air-conditioning is the number one protective factor against heat-related illness and death. During conditions of extreme heat, spend time in locations with air-conditioning such as shopping malls, public libraries, or public health sponsored heat-relief shelters in your area.

  • Get informed. Listen to local news and weather channels or contact your local public health department during extreme heat conditions for health and safety updates

  • Drink cool, nonalcoholic beverages and increase your fluid intake, regardless of your activity level. A sports beverage can replace the salt and minerals you lose in sweat. However, if you are on a low-salt diet, talk with your doctor before drinking a sports beverage or taking salt tablets.

  • Choose lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing for yourself and children.  If going outdoors, shade childrens' heads and faces with unbrellas or hats.  Wearing hats will help reduce your exposure to direct sunlight.

  • If you are not accustomed to working or exercising in a hot environment, start slowly and pick up the pace gradually.  Stop often to rest and consume fluids.  Rest in shaded areas if at all possible.

  • Do Not Leave Children in Cars (trucks, vans or suvs)
    Anyone left inside a car, truck, van or sport utility vehicle is at risk for serious heat related illnesses or even death.  The car's interior temperatures may rise 20 degrees Fahrenheit within 10 minutes.. Children who are left unattended in parked cars (vehicles) are at the greatest risk for heat stroke, and possibly death. When traveling with children, remember to:

    •Never leave infants, children or pets in a parked car (vehicle), even if the windows are cracked open.
    •To remind yourself that a child is in the car (vehicle), keep a stuffed animal in the car seat. When the child is buckled in, take the stuffed animal out of the car seat and place it in the front with the driver (you).
    •When leaving your car, check to be sure everyone is out of the car. Do not overlook any children who have fallen asleep in the car.

Heat Stroke

The CDC states, "Heat stroke occurs when the body is unable to regulate its temperature. The body's temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails, and the body is unable to cool down. Body temperature may rise to 106°F or higher within 10 to 15 minutes. Heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not provided.

Recognizing Heat Exhaustion:

• Heavy sweating                        • Dizziness                                                      • Rapid, weak pulse
• Paleness                                   • Headache                                                     • Rapid and shallow breathing
• Muscle Cramps                        • Nausea or fomiting                                     • Sin may be cool & moist
• Tiredness                                  • Weakness                                                     • Fainting

Recognizing Heat Stroke:

  • An extremely high body temperature (above 103°F, orally)
  • Red, hot, and dry skin (no sweating)
  • Rapid, strong pulse
  • Throbbing headache
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Confusion
  • Unconsciousness

For an extensive review of heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and dealing with extreme heat due to weather conditons, click the here.

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