Extreme HEAT

7/6/2018 (Permalink)

With summer in full swing and temperatures reaching well above 90, please consider safety precautions for extreme heat. It's not doubt that heat effects everyone differently especially those that are young, elderly, overweight or sick. And that goes for pets as well. In large populated areas residents have a greater risk because of how hot pavements and roofs get. Sometimes the heat on a surface can be 50-90 degrees hotter than the air. 

No matter where you live, you should always prepare for and prevent extreme heat exposure. Stay hydrated and limit alcohol and caffeine intake. Stay indoors in the air conditioning if possible. If you have to go outside, wear clothes that are loose fitting and light colored. Always apply sunscreen often.

There are several signs of heat exhaustion:

1. heavy sweating
2. weakness
3. cold
4. pale
5. clammy skin
6. nausea
7. vomiting
8. fainting

Heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke and is life threatening.

Signs of heat stroke are:

1. high body temperature (103 degrees plus)
2. rapid and strong pulse
3. unconsciousness

Call 911 if you suspect someone is having heat stroke. Use cool wet clothes or a bath to help bring the temperature down. Do not give fluids. This is a serious medical emergency, treat as such.

When the humidity is high, it can feel like the temperature is 15 degrees hotter. Extreme heat is very dangerous. For more information on prevention and preparedness, visit ready.gov or cdc.gov