Extreme Heat

There is hot, and then there is HOT! In extreme heat your body works extra hard to maintain a normal temperature, which can lead to death. Extreme heat is a period of high heat and humidity. The humidity increases the feeling of heat as measured by a heat index. Most older adults, children, and sick or overweight individuals are at a greater risk from extreme heat.

Prepare now!

-Find places in your community where you can go to get cool.

-Try to keep your home cool:

  •    Cover windows and with drapes or shades
  •    Weather-strip doors and windows
  •    Use window reflectors such as aluminum foil-covered cardboard to reflect heat back outside.
  •    Add insulation to keep the heat out
  •    Use a powered attic ventilator, or attic fan, to regulate the wheat level of a building’s attic by clearing hot air.
  •    Install window air conditioners and insult around them.

-If you are outside, find shade.

-Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.

-Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.

-Do not use electric fans when the temperature outside is more than 95 degrees.

-Avoid high energy activities.

Check yourself, family members, and neighbors for signs of heat related illness.

Recognize and respond! Know the signs and ways to treat heat-related illness.

Heat Cramps

  • Signs: Muscle pains or spasms in the stomach, arms, or legs.
  • Actions: Go to a cooler location. Remove excess clothing. Take sips of cool sports drinks with salt and sugar. Get medical help if cramps last more than an hour.

 Heat Exhaustion

  • Signs: Heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea or vomiting, and fainting.  
  • Actions: Go to an air-conditioned place and lie down. Loosen or remove clothing. Take a cool bath. Take sips of cool sports drinks with salt and sugar. Get medical help if symptoms get worse or last more than an hour.

 Heat Stroke

  • Signs: Extremely high body temperature (above 103 degrees) indicated by an oral thermometer; red, hot, and dry skin with no sweat; rapid, strong pulse; dizziness; confusion; and unconsciousness.
  • Actions: Call 9-1-1 or get the person to the hospital immediately. Cool down with whatever methods are available until medical help arrives.