Heat 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, and those
who take medications to get rid of water
from the body (diuretics) or for certain
skin conditions, may be more susceptible
to heat. Consult with a physician if you
have any questions about how your medication
may affect your ability to tolerate heat.
Consideration should also be given to your
pet and animals. Ensure they have a cool
place out of the direct sunlight to rest.
Do not encourage excessive play or work activities
for an animal during a heat wave. Make sure
your animals have access to plenty of fresh
cool water to keep them hydrated as well.
Familiarize yourself with these terms to
help identify a heat related hazards.
Heat Wave - Prolonged period of excessive
heat and humidity. 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 when
relative humidity is added to the actual
air temperature. Exposure to full sunshine
can increase the heat index by 15 degrees
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 typically
occurs when people exercise heavily or work
in a hot, humid place where body fluids are
lost through heavy sweating. Blood flow to
the skin increases, causing blood flow to
decrease to the vital organs. This results
in a form of mild shock. If not treated,
the victim may suffer heat stroke. Heat Stroke - 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. Sun Stroke - Another term for heat stroke.
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 4:00 a.m. and 7:00
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 water
regularly and often. Your body needs water
to keep cool.
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.
