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Weather Safety - Extreme Heat
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Slow
down. Strenuous activities should be reduced, eliminated,
or resceduled to the coolest time of the day. Individuals
at risk should stay in the coolest available place, not
necessarily indoors.
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Dress
for summer. Lightweight, light-colored clothing reflects
heat and sunlight and helps your body maintain normal
temperatures.
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Put
less fuels on your inner fires. Foods (like proteins)
that increase metabolic heat production also increase
water loss.
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Drink
plenty of water or other non-alcoholic fluids. Your
body needs water to keep cool. Drink plenty of fluids,
even if you don't feel thirsty. Persons who (1) have epilepsy
or heart, kidney, or liver disease, (2) are on fluid-restrictive
diets, or (3) have a problem with fluid retention should
consult a physician before increasing their consumption
of fluids.
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Do
not drink alcoholic beverages.
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Do
not take salt tablets unless specified by a physician.
Persons on salt-restrictive diets should consult a physician
before increasing their salt intake.
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Spend
more time in air-conditioned places. Air conditioning
in homes and other buildings markedly reduces danger from
the heat. If you cannot afford an air conditioner, spending
some time each day (during hot weather) in an air-conditioned
environment affords some protection.
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Don't
get too much sun. Sunburn makes the job of heat dissipation
that much more difficult.
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Heat
Disorder
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Symptoms
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First
Aid*
|
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SUNBURN
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Redness
and pain. In severe cases, swelling of skin, blisters,
fever and headaches.
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Ointments
for mild cases if blisters appear and do not break. If
breaking occurs, apply dry sterile dressing. Serious,
extensive cases should be seen by a physician. |
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HEAT
CRAMPS
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Painful
spasms usually in the muscles of the legs and abdomen
possible. Heavy sweating.
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Firm
pressure on cramping muscles, or gentle massage to relieve
spasm. Give sips of water. If nausea occurs, discontinue
use. |
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HEAT
EXHAUSTION
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Heavy
sweating, weakness, skin cold, pale, and clammy. Pulse
thready. Normal temperature possible. Fainting and vomiting.
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Get
victim out of sun. Lay down and loosen clothing. Apply
cool, wet cloths. Fan or move victim to air-conditioned
room. Give sips of water. If nausea occurs, discontinue
use. If vomiting continues, seek immediate medical attention. |
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HEAT
STROKE
(or sunstroke)
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High
body temperature (106 degrees F or higher). Hot, dry
skin. Rapid and strong pulse. Possible unconsciousness.
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HEAT
STROKE IS A SEVERE MEDICAL EMERGENCY. SUMMON EMERGENCY
MEDICAL ASSISTANCE OR GET THE VICTIM TO A HOSPITAL IMMEDIATELY.
DELAY CAN BE FATAL.
Move
the victim to a cooler environment. Reduce body temperature
with cold bath or sponging. Use extreme caution. Remove
clothing, use fans and air conditioners. If body temperature
rises again, repeat process. Do not give fluids.
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*
For more information, contact your local American Red Cross
Chapter. Ask to enroll in a first aid course.
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National Weather Service Forecast Office
