Heat wave, the silent killer
A heat wave is a silent killer, many people underestimate how deadly it can be. Unlike an earthquake, a hurricane or a tornado, excessive heat doesn’t have a sudden and violent destructive impact. Yet, extreme heat can potentially cause damage to the brain and other vital organs.
Heat related illness happen when the body is not able to regulate its internal temperature and can’t properly cool itself. A healthy internal body temperature falls within a narrow window: between 98°F (37°C) and 100°F (37.8°C). A rise in body temperature initiates mechanisms leading to an increase in the rate of breathing, in sweating, and in a higher blood flow, processes that serve the body to cool itself.
Some populations are more vulnerable to heat like young children and infants, older adults, people with medical chronicle conditions, their bodies are less able to adapt to heat and to regulate their internal temperature. Pregnant women are also at higher risk.
Like for any other crisis, awareness and preparedness are the two critical success factors that will help you handle the situation.
Before
Be informed, listen to local weather forecasts, and stay aware of upcoming heat alerts.
Plan your activities accordingly (home, work, sports, outdoor activities).
Identify places you could go to for relief from the heat during the warmest hours (libraries, theaters, malls, and other places with air conditioning).
People living in urban areas may be at greater risk from the effects of a prolonged heat wave.
Learn what to do in case of a heat related illness (see below).
Ensure that you have enough water at your disposal.
Check on those in your neighborhood who are more vulnerable to heat, make sure they are aware of upcoming heat alerts.
During
If you’re outside, find shade. Protect your head with a hat.
If you’re inside, prefer North facing rooms, draw window blinds, use space blankets to keep the heat out (check our previous post on space blankets).
Dress in lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing.
Drink plenty of fluids: DON’T WAIT UNTIL YOU ARE THIRSTY! Avoid alcohol and caffeine.
Eat light meals (digestion slightly increases the body temperature).
Use cool compresses, showers, and baths.
Avoid high-energy activities. If you are working take breaks frequently (specifically for outdoor workers).
Never leave children or pets inside a vehicle on a warm day.
Check on your neighbors to ensure that they are not suffering from the heat.
Heat related illness
Heat cramps
Signs
Muscle spasms in the stomach, arms, or legs.
Actions
Cool the body down, remove excess clothing, use cool compresses, showers.
Drinks fluids with salt and sugar (sport drinks).
If cramps last more than 1 hour: get medical assistance.
Heat exhaustion
Signs
Cool, moist, pale, or flushed skin, heavy sweating, headache, nausea or vomiting, dizziness, exhaustion.
Actions
Cool the body down, remove excess clothing, use cool compresses, showers.
Drinks fluids with salt and sugar (sport drinks).
If left untreated, heat exhaustion will develop into heat stroke.
If symptoms get worse or last more than 1 hour: get medical assistance.
Heat stroke
Signs
High body temperature, hot, red skin, lack of sweat, rapid pulse and fast, shallow breathing, dizziness, confusion, and unconsciousness.
Actions
Heat stroke is life-threatening, call 9-1-1.
Cool the body down, remove excess clothing, use cool compresses, showers.
Have the victim drink water SLOWLY (to avoid vomiting).
In any case, if you are uncertain about the signs of a heat related illness or about what to do: call 9-1-1.
Be aware
Heat related alerts from the National Weather Service:
Excessive Heat Watches
A Watch is used when the risk of a heat wave has increased but its occurrence and timing is still uncertain. Heat watches are issued when conditions are favorable for an excessive heat event in the next 24 to 72 hours.
Heat Advisory
A Heat Advisory is issued within 12 hours of the onset of extremely dangerous heat conditions. It usually occurs when the maximum heat index temperature is expected to be 100°F (37,7°C) or higher for at least 2 days, and nighttime air temperatures will not drop below 75° F (24°C).
Excessive Heat Warning
It is a warning issued within 12 hours of the onset of extremely dangerous heat conditions. It usually occurs when the maximum heat index temperature is expected to be 105°F (40.5°C) or higher for at least 2 days and nighttime air temperatures will not drop below 75°F (24°C).
These criteria vary across the country, especially for areas not used to extreme heat conditions.
Heat index is the temperature the body feels when the effects of heat and humidity are combined.