Preparing For Extreme Heat
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
Contact your local
emergency management office or American Red Cross chapter for information on extreme heat.
Install window air
conditioners snugly.
Close any floor heat
registers nearby.
Insulate spaces
around air conditioners for a tighter fit.
Use a circulating or
box fan to spread the cool air.
Keep heat outside and
cool air inside.
Install temporary
reflectors, such as aluminum foil covered cardboard, to reflect any heat back outside.
Keep the cool air inside by weather-stripping doors and windowsills.
Consider keeping
storm windows up all year. Storm windows can keep the heat 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
Protect 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. 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.
Eat well-balanced,
light meals.
Drink plenty of water
regularly. Persons who have epilepsy or heart, kidney, or liver disease; are on
fluid-restrictive diets; or have a problem with fluid retention should consult a doctor
before increasing liquid intake.
Limit intake of
alcoholic beverages. Although beer and alcohol beverages appear to satisfy thirst, they
actually cause further body dehydration.
Dress in
loose-fitting clothes that cover as much skin as possible. 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.
Avoid extreme
temperature changes. A cool shower immediately after coming in from hot temperatures can
result in hypothermia, particularly for elderly and very young people.
Slow down. 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
Lower 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.
Heat Disorders
- Sunburn
Symptoms: Skin
redness and pain, possible swelling, blisters, fever, headaches.
First Aid: 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
Symptoms: Painful
spasms usually in leg and abdominal muscles. Heavy sweating.
First Aid: Firm
pressure on cramping muscles or gentle massage to relieve spasm. Give sips of water. If
nausea occurs, discontinue.
- Heat Exhaustion
Symptoms: Heavy
sweating, weakness, skin cold, pale and clammy. Weak pulse. Normal temperature possible.
Fainting, vomiting.
First Aid: Get victim
to lie down in a cool place. Loosen clothing. Apply cool, wet cloths. Fan or move victim
to air-conditioned place. Give sips of water. If nausea occurs, discontinue. If vomiting
occurs, seek immediate medical attention.
- Heat Stroke (Sun Stroke)
Symptoms: High body
temperature (106+). Hot, dry skin. Rapid, strong pulse. Possible unconsciousness. Victim
will likely not sweat.
First Aid: 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.
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FYI