<h1><strong>Extreme Heat</strong></h1><p>Heat kills by pushing the human body
beyond its limits. In extreme heat and high humidity, evaporation is
slowed and the body must work extra hard to maintain a normal temperature.</p><p>Most heat disorders occur because the
victim has been overexposed to heat or has over-exercised for his or
her age and physical condition. Older adults, young children, and those
who are sick or overweight are more likely to succumb to extreme heat.</p><p>Conditions that can induce heat-related
illnesses include stagnant atmospheric conditions and poor air quality.
Consequently, people living in urban areas may be at greater risk from
the effects of a prolonged heat wave than those living in rural areas.
Also, asphalt and concrete store heat longer and gradually release heat
at night, which can produce higher nighttime temperatures known as the
"urban heat island effect."</p><h1><strong>Extreme Heat: Know the Terms</strong></h1><p><strong>Heat Wave</strong> <br />
Prolonged period of excessive heat, often combined with excessive humidity.</p><p><strong>Heat Index </strong>A number in degrees Fahrenheit (F) that tells how hot it feels when
relative humidity is added to the air temperature. Exposure to full
sunshine can increase the heat index by 15 degrees.</p><p><strong>Heat Cramps</strong> <br />
Muscular pains and spasms due to heavy exertion. Although heat cramps
are the least severe, they are often the first signal that the body
is having trouble with the heat.</p><p><strong>Heat Exhaustion </strong>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’s
condition will worsen. Body temperature will keep rising and the victim
may suffer heat stroke.</p><p><strong>Heat Stroke or Sun Stroke</strong> <br />
A life-threatening condition. 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.</p><p><strong>Before Extreme Heat</strong></p><p>To prepare for extreme heat, you should:</p><ul><li>Install window air conditioners
snugly; insulate if necessary. </li><li>Check air-conditioning ducts
for proper insulation. </li><li>Install temporary window reflectors
(for use between windows and drapes), such as aluminum foil-covered
cardboard, to reflect heat back outside. </li><li>Weather-strip doors and sills
to keep cool air in. </li><li>Cover windows that receive
morning or afternoon sun with drapes, shades, awnings, or louvers. (Outdoor
awnings or louvers can reduce the heat that enters a home by up to 80
percent.) </li><li>Keep storm windows up all
year. </li></ul><p><strong>During a Heat Emergency</strong></p><p>What you should do if the weather is
extremely hot:</p><ul><li>Stay indoors as much as possible
and limit exposure to the sun. </li><li>Stay on the lowest floor out
of the sunshine if air conditioning is not available. </li><li>Consider spending the warmest
part of the day in public buildings such as libraries, schools, movie
theaters, shopping malls, and other community facilities. Circulating
air can cool the body by increasing the perspiration rate of evaporation. </li><li>Eat well-balanced, light,
and regular meals. Avoid using salt tablets unless directed to do so
by a physician. </li><li>Drink plenty of water. Persons
who have epilepsy or heart, kidney, or liver disease; are on fluid-restricted
diets; or have a problem with fluid retention should consult a doctor
before increasing liquid intake. </li><li>Limit intake of alcoholic
beverages. </li><li>Dress in loose-fitting, lightweight,
and light-colored clothes that cover as much skin as possible. </li><li>Protect face and head by wearing
a wide-brimmed hat. </li><li>Check on family, friends,
and neighbors who do not have air conditioning and who spend much of
their time alone. </li><li>Never leave children or pets
alone in closed vehicles. </li><li>Avoid strenuous work during
the warmest part of the day. Use a buddy system when working in extreme
heat, and take frequent breaks. </li></ul><h1><strong>Recovering from Disaster</strong></h1><p>Recovering from a disaster is usually
a gradual process. Safety is a primary issue, as are mental and physical
well-being. If assistance is available, knowing how to access it makes
the process faster and less stressful. This section offers some general
advice on steps to take after disaster strikes in order to begin getting
your home, your community, and your life back to normal. <br />
<br /> <br /> </p><p><strong><em>First Aid for Heat-Induced Illnesses</em></strong></p><p>Extreme heat brings with it the possibility
of heat-induced illnesses. The following table lists these illnesses,
their symptoms, and the first aid treatment.</p><a name="0.4_table01"></a><table><tbody><tr valign="top"><td><strong>Condition</strong></td>
<td><strong>Symptoms</strong></td>
<td><strong>First Aid</strong></td></tr><tr valign="top"><td>Sunburn</td>
<td>Skin redness and pain, possible swelling,
blisters, fever, headaches</td>
<td>Take a shower using soap to remove oils
that may block pores, preventing the body from cooling naturally. <br />
<br />
Apply dry, sterile dressings to any blisters, and get medical attention.</td></tr><tr valign="top"><td>Heat Cramps</td>
<td>Painful spasms, usually in leg and abdominal
muscles; heavy sweating</td>
<td>Get the victim to a cooler location. <br />
<br />
Lightly stretch and gently massage affected muscles to relieve spasms. <br />
<br />
Give sips of up to a half glass of cool water every 15 minutes. (Do
not give liquids with caffeine or alcohol.) <br />
<br />
Discontinue liquids, if victim is nauseated.</td></tr><tr valign="top"><td>Heat Exhaustion</td>
<td>Heavy sweating but skin may be cool,
pale, or flushed. Weak pulse. Normal body temperature is possible, but
temperature will likely rise. Fainting or dizziness, nausea, vomiting,
exhaustion, and headaches are possible.</td>
<td>Get victim to lie down in a cool place. <br />
<br />
Loosen or remove clothing. <br />
<br />
Apply cool, wet clothes. <br />
<br />
Fan or move victim to air-conditioned place. <br />
<br />
Give sips of water if victim is conscious. <br />
<br />
Give half glass of cool water every 15 minutes. <br />
<br />
Discontinue water if victim is nauseated. <br />
<br />
Seek immediate medical attention if vomiting occurs.</td></tr><tr valign="top"><td>Heat Stroke <br />
( a severe medical emergency)</td>
<td>High body temperature (105+); hot, red,
dry skin; rapid, weak pulse; and rapid shallow breathing. Victim will
probably not sweat unless victim was sweating from recent strenuous
activity. Possible unconsciousness.</td>
<td>Call 9-1-1 or emergency medical services,
or get the victim to a hospital immediately. Delay can be fatal. <br />
<br />
Move victim to a cooler environment. <br />
<br />
Removing clothing <br />
<br />
Try a cool bath, sponging, or wet sheet to reduce body temperature. <br />
<br />
Watch for breathing problems. <br />
<br />
Use extreme caution. <br />
<br />
Use fans and air conditioners.</td></tr></tbody></table>
2008-03-05T14:33:59-06:00
9
Extreme Heat
2008-03-05T14:33:59-06:00