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August 21, 2024
Home / Articles / Emergency Management / Staying safe during extreme heat

Staying safe during extreme heat

Extreme heat is a serious threat, causing more deaths each year than any other weather-related event. When the National Weather Service issues a heat alert, it’s crucial to take immediate action to protect yourself and others from heat-related illnesses. Understanding the different levels of heat alerts can help you respond appropriately and stay safe.

Understanding Heat Alerts: Watches, Warnings, and Advisories

The National Weather Service issues various heat alerts to indicate the severity of upcoming conditions:

  • Heat Advisory: Signals that temperatures or heat index values could lead to heat illness. It’s a reminder to take precautions, especially for those who are more vulnerable.
  • Excessive Heat Watch: Warns that dangerous heat conditions may occur within the next 24 to 72 hours. Use this time to prepare – ensure access to cool spaces and stay hydrated.
  • Excessive Heat Warning: Indicates that extreme heat is imminent or occurring. Immediate action is required to prevent heat-related illnesses, particularly for those without air conditioning or who work outdoors.

heat safety alert sign with high heat thermometer icon

Identifying Heat-Related Symptoms and Taking Action

Heat Cramps

  • Symptoms: Heavy sweating, muscle pain, or spasms caused by significant salt and water loss.
  • Action: Rest in a cool place, and rehydrate with cool – not ice-cold – water or an electrolyte drink. Seek medical help if cramps persist for more than an hour.

Heat Exhaustion

  • Symptoms: Heavy sweating, cold, pale, and clammy skin, a fast, weak pulse, nausea, fatigue, headache, dizziness, or fainting.
  • Action: Move to a cool place, loosen clothing, and cool down with wet cloths, misting, or ice packs. Sip water slowly. Seek medical help if vomiting occurs, symptoms last over an hour, or confusion develops.

Heat Stroke

  • Symptoms: Extremely high body temperature, hot, dry, or damp skin, a throbbing headache, nausea or vomiting, rapid, strong pulse, confusion, disorientation, slurred speech, or loss of consciousness.
  • Action: Call 9-1-1 immediately. Heat stroke is life-threatening. Do not drink anything.

Additional Heat Safety Tips

  • Ensure your pets have a cool place with shade and plenty of water. If the pavement is too hot for your bare hand or feet, it’s too hot for your pet.
  • Stay hydrated by drinking water regularly; don’t wait until you’re thirsty.
  • Check on family members, seniors, and neighbors to ensure they are prepared.
  • Wear sunscreen and dress in lightweight, light-colored, and loose-fitting clothing.
  • If you can’t avoid strenuous outdoor activity, take regular breaks and stay hydrated.
  • Never leave a person or pet unattended in a vehicle. Keep vehicles locked to prevent children from accessing them.

man standing outdoors on a sunny hot day drinking water

As temperatures rise, so do the risks associated with extreme heat. By understanding the different levels of heat alerts and knowing how to recognize and respond to heat-related symptoms, you can take the necessary steps to protect yourself, your loved ones, and even your pets. Stay informed, stay prepared, and stay cool during these hot days.

 
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Posted in: Articles, Emergency Management