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Heat WaveHeat can affect anyone. However, it is more likely to affect young children, elderly people, and people with health problems. For instance, people with a medical condition that causes poor blood circulation, or those who take medications to get rid of water from the body (diuretics) or for certain skin conditions, may be more susceptible. Consult with a physician if you have any questions about how your medication may affect your ability to tolerate heat.
Here is what you can do prepare yourself and your family for a heat wave.
Know What Heat-Related Terms Mean:
Heat Wave: More than 48 hours of high heat (90º F or higher) and high humidity (80 percent relative humidity or higher) are expected. The National Weather Service steps up its procedures to alert the public during these periods of excessive heat and humidity.Heat Index: A number in degrees Fahrenheit (F) that tells how hot it really feels with the heat and humidity. Exposure to full sunshine can increase the heat index by 15º F.Heat cramps: Heat cramps are muscular pains and spasms due to heavy exertion. Although heat cramps are the least severe, they are an early signal that the body is having trouble with the heat.Heat Exhaustion: Heat exhaustion is less dangerous than heat stroke. It typically occurs when people exercise heavily or work in a warm, humid place where body fluids are lost through heavy sweating. Fluid loss causes blood flow to decrease in the vital organs, resulting in a form of shock. With heat exhaustion, sweat does not evaporate as it should, possibly because of high humidity or too many layers of clothing. As a result, the body is not cooled properly. Signals include cool, moist, pale, flushed or red skin; heavy sweating; headache; nausea or vomiting; dizziness and exhaustion. Body temperature will be near normal.Heat Stroke: Also known as sunstroke, heat stroke is life-threatening. The victim's temperature control system, which produces sweating to cool the body, stops working. The body temperature can rise so high that brain damage and death may result if the body is not cooled quickly. Signals include hot, red and dry skin; changes in consciousness; rapid, weak pulse and rapid, shallow breathing. Body temperature can be very high--sometimes as high as 105º F.If a Heat Wave is Predicted or Happening:
Slow down. Avoid strenuous activity. If you must do strenuous activity, do it during the coolest part of the day, which is usually in the morning between 4 a.m. and 7 a.m.Stay indoors as much as possible. If air conditioning is not available, stay on the lowest floor, out of the sunshine. Try to go to a public building with air conditioning each day for several hours. Remember, electric fans do not cool the air, but they do help sweat evaporate, which cools your body.Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. Light colors will reflect away some of the sun’s energy.Drink plenty of fluids even if you do not feel thirsty. Water is the safest liquid to drink during heat emergencies. Avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine in them. They can make you feel good briefly, but make the heat’s effects on your body worse. This is especially true about beer, which dehydrates the body.Eat small meals and eat more often. Avoid foods that are high in protein, which increase metabolic heat.Avoid using salt tablets unless directed to do so by a physician.Signals of Heat Emergencies:
Heat exhaustion: Cool, moist, pale or flushed skin; heavy sweating; headache; nausea or vomiting; dizziness and exhaustion. Body temperature will be near normal.Heat Stroke: Hot, red skin; changes in consciousness; rapid, weak pulse and rapid, shallow breathing. Body temperature can be very high – as high as 105º F. If the person was sweating from heavy work or exercise, skin may be wet; otherwise, it will feel dry.General Care for Heat Emergencies:
For heat cramps or heat exhaustion: Get the person to a cooler place and have him or her rest in a comfortable position. If the person is fully awake and alert, give a half glass of cool water every 15 minutes. Do not let him or her drink too quickly. Do not give liquids with alcohol or caffeine in them, as they can make conditions worse. Remove or loosen tight clothing and apply cool, wet cloths such as towels or wet sheets. Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number if the person refuses water, vomits or loses consciousness.For heat stroke: Heat stroke is a life-threatening situation. Help is needed fast. Call 9-1-1 or your local EMS number. Move the person to a cooler place. Quickly cool the body. Wrap wet sheets around the body and fan it. If you have ice packs or cold packs, wrap them in a cloth and place them on each of the victim's wrists and ankles, in the armpits and on the neck to cool the large blood vessels. (Do not use rubbing alcohol because it closes the skin's pores and prevents heat loss.) Watch for signals of breathing problems and make sure the airway is clear. Keep the person lying down.601 N. Golden Circle Drive, Santa Ana, CA, 92705
Phone: (714) 481-5300 Website: www.oc-redcross.org
