Heat kills by pushing the human body beyond its limits. Under normal conditions, the body's internal thermostat produces perspiration that evaporates and cools the body. However, in extreme heat and high humidity, evaporation is slowed and the body must work extra hard to maintain a normal temperature.

Most heat disorders occur because the victim has been overexposed to heat or has overexercised for his or her age and physical condition. Other conditions that can induce heat-related illnesses include stagnant atmospheric conditions and poor air quality.

A prolonged drought can have a serious economic impact on a community. Increased demand for water and electricity may result in shortages of resources. Moreover, food shortages may occur if agricultural production is damaged or destroyed by a loss of crops or livestock.

What is EXTREME Heat? Temperatures that hover 10 degrees or more above the average high temperature for the region and last for several weeks are defined as extreme heat. Humid or muggy conditions, which add to the discomfort of high temperatures, occur when a "dome" of high atmospheric pressure traps hazy, damp air near the ground. Excessively dry and hot conditions can provoke dust storms and low visibility. Droughts occur when a long period passes without substantial rainfall. A heat wave combined with a drought is a very dangerous situation.

In a normal year, approximately 175 Americans die from extreme heat. Young children, elderly people, and those who are sick or overweight are more likely to become victims. Between 1936 and 1975, nearly 20,000 people succumbed to the effects of heat and solar radiation. Because men sweat more than women, men are more susceptible to heat illness because they become dehydrated more quickly. Sunburn can significantly slow the skin's ability to release excess heat. People living in urban areas may be at a greater risk from the effects of a prolonged heat wave than people living in rural regions. An increased health problem can occur when stagnant atmospheric conditions trap pollutants in urban areas, thus adding contaminated air to excessively hot temperatures. Doing too much on a hot day, spending too much time in the sun or staying too long in an overheated place can cause heat-related illnesses. Know the symptoms of heat disorders and overexposure to the sun, and be ready to give first aid treatment.

BEFORE the hot season arrives contact your local Emergency Management Agency or the American Red Cross chapter for information on extreme heat. Some of the things to check before the heat gets here are to make sure your window air conditioners are installed snugly. Insulate spaces around air conditioners for a tighter fit. Use a circulating or box fan to spread the cool air. Keep the cool air inside by weather-stripping doors and windowsills. Storm windows can keep the heat out of a house in the summer the same way they keep the cold out in the winter. Check air-conditioning ducts for proper insulation.

DURING the hot season protect your windows. Hang shades, draperies, awnings, or louvers on windows that receive morning or afternoon sun. Outdoor awnings or louvers can reduce the heat entering the house by as much as 80 percent.

When the hot weather comes, persons should conserve electricity. During periods of extreme heat, people tend to use a lot more power for air conditioning which can lead to a power shortage or outage. Stay indoors as much as possible. If air conditioning is not available, stay on the lowest floor out of the sunshine. Remember that electric fans do not cool, they just blow hot air around.

Dress in loose-fitting clothes that cover as much skin as possible. Persons should wear lightweight, light-colored clothing that reflects heat and sunlight and helps maintain normal body temperature. Protect face and head by wearing a wide-brimmed hat. Allow your body to get acclimated to hot temperatures for the first 2 or 3 days of a heat wave. Avoid too much sunshine. Sunburn slows the skin's ability to cool itself. Use a sunscreen lotion with a high SPF (sun protection factor) rating.

A cool shower immediately after coming in from hot temperatures can result in hypothermia, particularly for elderly and very young people. Slow down and reduce, eliminate, or reschedule strenuous activities. High-risk individuals should stay in cool places. Get plenty of rest to allow your natural "cooling system" to work. Take salt tablets only if specified by your physician. Persons on salt-restrictive diets should check with a physician before increasing salt intake. Vacuum air conditioner filters weekly during periods of high use. Learn the symptoms of heat disorders and know how to give first aid.

During a drought, limit water use. Watering the lawn and washing the car waste water. Whenever possible, re-use water. Place a brick or other large, solid object in the flush tank of the toilet to reduce the water used to flush. Farmers should contact the county Farm Service Agency for disaster assistance information.

Excess heat outside can cause sunburn. Some symptoms of sunburn are skin redness and pain, possible swelling, blisters, fever, headaches. When this happens some first aid tips are to take a shower, using soap, to remove oils that may block pores preventing the body from cooling naturally. If blisters occur, apply dry, sterile dressings and get medical attention. Heat Cramps are another result of too much sun. The symptoms for this could be painful spasms usually in leg and abdominal muscles. Being too hot can create heavy sweating. If this happens put firm pressure on cramping muscles or gentle massage to relieve spasm. Give sips of water. If nausea occurs, discontinue.

Heat Exhaustion can also happen and is noticed by heavy sweating; weakness; skin cold, pale and clammy; weak pulse; normal temperature is possible and there may be fainting and vomiting. If this happens let victim lie down in a cool place. Loosen clothing; apply cool, wet cloths; fan or move victim to air-conditioned place; and give sips of water. If nausea occurs, discontinue sips of water. If vomiting occurs, seek immediate medical attention.

There is always the possibility of Heat Stroke (Sun Stroke) if the body has a high temperature (106+). Noticeably would be hot, dry skin, rapid and strong pulse. There is the possibility of the victim becoming unconscious. The victim will likely not sweat. Heat stroke is a severe medical emergency. Call 9-1-1 or emergency medical services or get the victim to a hospital immediately. Delay can be fatal. Move victim to a cooler environment. Try a cool bath or sponging to reduce body temperature. Use extreme caution. Remove clothing. Use fans and/or air conditioners. DO NOT GIVE FLUIDS.

Use a "buddy" or "good neighbor" system locally. Check frequently on elderly people living alone, and on others who may have trouble coping with hot weather. Listen to local radio and television stations for information and tips on staying comfortable during the hot season.

Preparedness Home Page