Cooling Centers

Heat Index Chart

heat

An excessive heat warning is issued when temperatures are forecast to reach dangerous levels that will stress the body if precautions are not taken. Emergency Management suggests that it would be wise to complete as much outdoor activity as possible in the early morning when the sun and heat are less intense.

During periods of excessive heat individuals can suffer heat-related illness when the body can no longer cool itself. If you plan to be outside for an extended period of time, remain in the shade, wear light colored and loose fitting clothing as well as drinking abundant amounts of water. Stay away from alcoholic beverages and remain in air conditioned places if possible.


Preventing Heat Illness

  • Dress for the heat. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. Light colors will reflect away some of the sun's energy. It is also a good idea to wear a hat.
  • Drink water. Carry water or juice with you and drink continuously even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which dehydrate the body.
  • Eat small meals and eat more often. Avoid foods that are high in protein which increase metabolic heat.
  • Slow down. Avoid strenuous activity. If you must do strenuous activity, do it during the coolest part of the day, which is usually in the morning between 4:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m.
  • Stay indoors when possible.
  • Check on those most at risk; elderly and small children.
  • Take regular breaks when engaged in physical activity on warm days. Take time out to find a cool place. If you recognize that you, or someone else, are showing the signals of a heat-related illness, stop activity and find a cool place. Remember, have fun, but stay cool!

Signs of Heat Illness

  • Cool, moist, pale skin (the skin may be red right after physical activity).
  • Headache.
  • Dizziness and weakness or exhaustion.
  • Nausea.
  • The skin may or may not feel hot.
  • Vomiting.
  • Decreased alertness level or complete loss of consciousness.
  • High body temperature (sometimes as high as 105F).
  • Skin may still be moist or the victim may stop sweating and the skin may be red, hot and dry.
  • Rapid, weak pulse.
  • Rapid, shallow breathing.

Treating Heat Illness

  • For Heat Cramps or Heat Exhaustion:Get the person to a cooler place and have him or her rest in a comfortable position. If the person is fully awake and alert, give a half glass of cool water every 15 minutes. Do not let him or her drink too quickly. Do not give liquids with alcohol or caffeine in them, as they can make conditions worse. Remove or loosen tight clothing and apply cool, wet cloths such as towels or wet sheets. Call 9-1-1 if the person refuses water, vomits or loses consciousness
  • For Heat Stroke: Heat stroke is a life-threatening situation! Help is needed fast. Call 9-1-1. Move the person to a cooler place. Quickly cool the body. Wrap wet sheets around the body and fan it. If you have ice packs or cold packs, wrap them in a cloth and place them on each of the victim's wrists and ankles, in the armpits and on the neck to cool the large blood vessels. (Do not use rubbing alcohol because it closes the skin's pores and prevents heat loss.) Watch for signals of breathing problems and make sure the airway is clear. Keep the person lying down.

 

For more information on "Heat Safety" go to: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/heat/