Heat Waves

Heat waves are periods of unusually hot weather that last for days or weeks at a time. On this page you will learn ways to survive the heat and protect yourself from heat related disorders.

What Is A Heat Index?

The heat index is a combination of hot air temperature and high humidity. So when you hear on the news that today's heat index is high, this will give you an indication that your body will have a problem cooling itself.

Ways of Surviving Heat During Heat Waves

• Install air conditioners, either central or window.
  
  
• Air conditioners ducts should be checked for proper insulation.
  
  
• Temporary window reflectors, such as drapes, blinds or aluminum-covered cardboard should be installed to reflect the heat.
  
  
• Doors and window sills should be weather-stripped.
  
  
• Outdoor awnings or shades should be installed to protect from direct sunlight.
  
  
• Storm windows should be kept up all year long.
  
  
• Stay indoors as much as possible.
  
  
• If you do not have air conditioning, stay on the lowest floor of your house away from the sunshine or consider going to a public building, such as a library, movie theater, shopping malls or other community facilities.
  
  
• Use fans to help circulate the air and to cool your body off.
  
  
• Make sure to check on family members, friends or neighbors that do not have air conditioning, especially ones that spend most of their time alone.

Heat Waves Can Cause Heat Related Disorders, So Follow These Guidelines If You Plan On Being Outdoors:

• Limit your exposure to sunlight.
  
  
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face and head.
  
  
• Drink plenty of water (if you happen to have a fluid-restricted diet, consult your doctor before increasing your intake of liquid).
  
  
• Wear loose-fitting, light-colored and light-weight clothing to cover as much skin as possible.
  
  
• Children and pets should never be left alone in a closed vehicle.
  
  
• Strenuous outdoor work during the hottest part of the day, should be avoided.
  
  
• Take frequent breaks to cool down.
  
  
• Do not use salt tablets unless instructed by your doctor.
  
  
• Avoid drinking tea, coffee and alcoholic beverages.
  
  
• Eat light and well-balanced meals.

Identifying and Treating Heat Related Disorders

Sunburn
Redness and pain on the skin and possible swelling, blisters, fevers and headaches.

• Take a cool shower using soap to remove suntan lotion or oils that might be clogging your pores not allowing the body to cool naturally.
  
  
• Blisters should be treated with dry sterile dressings. Get medical attention.

Heat Cramps
Painful spasms usually in the abdominal muscles and legs combined with heavy sweating.

• Take the victim to a cool-shaded location.
  
  
• Gently massage and lightly stretch the affected muscles.
  
  
• Every fifteen minutes give sips of up to a half a glass of cool water (avoid giving liquids containing caffeine or alcohol).
  
  
• If victim is nauseated, discontinue liquids.

Heat Exhaustion
Skin may be cool, pale or flushed with heavy sweating. Pulse could be weak. It is possible to still have a normal body temperature. There is a possibility of dizziness, fainting, nausea, vomiting, exhaustion and headaches.

• Take the victim to a cool-shaded place and have them lie down.
  
  
• Fans and air conditioners should be used.
  
  
• Clothing should be loosened or removed.
  
  
• Dress victim in cool-wet clothing.
  
  
• If the victim is conscious, give sips of cool water.
  
  
• Water should be consumed slowly.
  
  
• Every fifteen minutes give sips of up to a half a glass of cool water (avoid giving liquids containing caffeine or alcohol).
  
  
• If victim is nauseated, discontinue liquids.
  
  
• If vomiting occurs, get immediate medical attention or call 9-1-1-

Heat Stroke (an Extreme Medical Emergency)
Hot, red, and dry skin. Hot body temperature (104+). Rapid, weak pulse and rapid shallow breathing. The victim could be unconscious, have seizures, or showing signs of confused behavior. Victim will probably not sweat unless they had been doing strenuous activity.

• Call 9-1-1 or seek medical attention immediately! Or take the victim to the hospital immediately any delay can be fatal!
  
  
• Get the victim to a cool-shaded location.
  
  
• Fans and air conditioners should be used.
  
  
• Remove clothing.
  
  
• Reduce body temperature by a cool bath, sponging or wet sheet. Use ice packs wrapped in towels and place in armpits and between the thighs.
  
  
• Stay alert to any breathing problems.
  
  
• Use extreme caution.
  
  
  
  This Video Shows How Heat Waves Can Cause Heat Stroke:
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
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