Who is at Risk?
Anyone can suffer from high temperatures and humidity; however, certain populations are more likely to suffer heat stress and illnesses, including:
- Elderly people
- Infants and children up to age 4
- People who work strenuously outdoors
Take extra precautions if you or someone you know falls into one of these groups.
Preventing Heat Related Illnesses
Taking these extra precautions when there is a heat advisory or on any hot day in your area will help you to avoid any type of heat stress.
- Drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids and water, even when you aren’t thirsty, in order to stay hydrated.
- Reduce vigorous activity, especially outdoors.
- Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing.
Recognize the Signs of Heat-Related Illness
When temperatures and humidity get too high, sweat does not evaporate well, reducing the body’s ability to cool itself quickly. This can result in a number of heat-related conditions, which can worsen if not attended to properly. Be aware of the following symptoms and know what level of heat stress they indicate.
Heat cramps: cramping of the muscles that results from strenuous activity in high temperatures
- Painful cramps in the muscles, usually in the legs
- Sweating
Heat exhaustion: a less extreme version of heat stoke which may turn into heat stroke if not given proper care
- Dizziness, nausea, or headaches
- Sweating, although the body temperature may not be elevated
- Weak pulse
Heat stroke: a life-threatening condition that results from being exposed to high temperatures
- Extremely high body temperature (over 103 degrees)
- Rapid pulse
- Hot, dry skin absent of sweating
- Dizziness, nausea, confusion, and even unconsciousness
Care for Heat-Related Illnesses
If someone shows signs or symptoms of heat stress or illness, take these three steps immediately to prevent the conditions from becoming more severe. Follow up with any precautions that correspond to a particular level of heat stress.
- Move the patient to a cooler location
- Encourage the slow intake of nonalcoholic fluids
- Cool the body by moving to a shady or indoor location and using wet towels, cloths, or a cold shower.
Heat cramps: To treat heat cramps you may also want to lightly massage or stretch the affected muscles.
Heat exhaustion: To treat heat exhaustion, follow the steps listed above, but additionally, help the patient lie down and loosen or remove their clothing. Discontinue water and other fluids if the patient feels nauseated.
Heat stroke: Call 911 immediately as delaying the arrival of emergency personnel may be fatal. Remove clothing and apply cool cloths to the body. Monitor the patient for changes in body temperature and symptoms.
Additionally, you may wish to find out if your city or region has a Heat Emergency Response Plan, and if so, how you can get involved.
Poor Air Quality
The EPA has established an air quality index (AQI) to protect human health during hot months when pollution is high, which rates the air quality on a scale from 0 to 500. Once the AQI rises above 100, sensitive groups, such as children, elderly people, and people with asthma may be affected. AQI levels above 150 are considered “unhealthy” for everyone, while levels over 300 are “hazardous.” Check local weather channels and newspapers during hot days for information on air pollution and corresponding health risks. Plan to limit outdoor activity for yourself and others on days when levels are high.
For more information on extreme heat and preparedness, see the following websites: