Extreme Heat

Extreme heat can be deadly, and the U.S. loses 688 people per year, on average, to heat deaths.

That number comes from CDC records on heat deaths during 1999-2003.

During that time, a total of 3,442 people in the U.S. died due to exposure to extreme heat, states the CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

At least 681 of those people had underlying heart disease, the CDC notes.

From 1979-1999, extreme heat killed 8,015 people in the U.S. That’s more than deaths during that period from hurricanes, lightning, tornadoes, floods, and earthquakes combined, states the CDC’s web site.

When the heat rises, it is extra important to pay attention to your health.
What can you do to protect yourself and your family from the effects of extreme heat: .

  • Stay in an air-conditioned area. If you lack air conditioning, go to the basement (or lowest possible floor) of your home.

  • In your house, keep the curtains closed, the windows slightly open, and the electric lights off. Take cool baths or showers and use cool towels.

  • If you do not have air conditioning, consider a visit to the library, the mall, or any nearby public building that is air conditioned.

  • Never leave children or pets alone in a parked car when it’s hot outside. The temperature in the car can rise rapidly in a matter of minutes and result in brain damage or death.

  • Do not wear a lot of clothing. The clothes you wear should be light-colored, lightweight, and loose-fitting.

  • Apply sunscreen with an SPF rating of 15 or higher, use lip balm, and wear a hat. The sunglasses you wear should have an ANSI rating of 99 percent and 98 percent UVA protection.

  • During very hot weather, drink a minimum of six to eight glasses of cool fluids (1-1/2 to 2 quarts) such as water, fruit juice, or fruit-flavored drinks, even if you are not thirsty.

  • During heat waves, eat small meals and eat more often. If it is too hot outside, do not eat a lot of food high in protein, which increases metabolic heat. Avoid using cooking ovens.

  • If you are exercising in hot weather, drink two to four glasses of cool fluids per hour. Avoid alcohol or caffeine, which can dehydrate you. And remember, when the heat is excessive, salt tablets are not a proper substitute for fluids.

  • Conduct all outdoor activities during the coolest time of the day. (Before ten in the morning and after three in the afternoon). If you are outside and must engage in activities, rest often in the shade.

  • Check up on any neighbors who may need help and have them check up on you.

Good to Know....

Heat wave: 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.

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.

Treatment: Get the person to a cooler place and have him or her rest in a comfortable position. Lightly stretch the affected muscle and replenish fluids. Give a half glass of cool water every 15 minutes. Do not give liquids with alcohol or caffeine in them, as they can make conditions worse.

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.

Visable Symptoms: Cool, moist, pale, or flushed skin; heavy sweating; headache; nausea or vomiting; dizziness; and exhaustion. Body temperature will be near normal.

Treatment: Get out of the heat and into a cooler place. Remove or loosen tight clothing and apply cool, wet cloths, such as towels or sheets. Give a half glass of cool water every 15 minutes. Do not give liquids that contain alcohol or caffeine. Let the victim rest in a comfortable position, and watch carefully for changes in condition.

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.

Visable Symptoms: Hot, red skin; changes in consciousness; rapid, weak pulse; and rapid, shallow breathing. Body temperature can be very high-- as high as 105 degrees F. If the person was sweating from heavy work or exercise, skin may be wet; otherwise, it will feel dry.

Treatment: Heat stroke is a life-threatening situation. Help is needed fast. Call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number. Move the person to a cooler place. Quickly cool the body. Immerse victim in a cool bath, or wrap wet sheets around the body and fan it. Watch for signals of breathing problems. Keep the person lying down and continue to cool the body any way you can. If the victim refuses water or is vomiting or there are changes in the level of consciousness, do not give anything to eat or drink.

Sunstroke: Another term for heat stroke.