This is a continuation of the SEMA/NWS/Local Emergency Management Summer Campaign June 21-27.
Many people do not realize how deadly a heat wave can be. In contrast to the visible, destructive, and violent nature of floods, hurricanes, and tornadoes, a heat wave is a “silent killer”. In 1995 alone, 1,021 Americans perished in heat waves, including 633 in Illinois and 57 in Missouri. From 1979 - 2003, excessive heat exposure caused 8,015 deaths in the United States. That produces an average of 276 deaths a year from excessive heat. During this period, more people in this country died from extreme heat than from hurricanes, lightning, tornadoes, floods and earthquakes combined. In 2001, 300 deaths were caused by excessive heat exposure. Currently CDC estimates that 400 people a year die from exposure to excessive heat.
The Most
Vulnerable
The elderly are the most vulnerable to the dangers of heat. Of the 522 deaths that occurred in Chicago during the July 12-16, 1995, heat wave, 371 (73 percent) were age 65 or older. The elderly suffer due to the diminished ability to perspire.
In addition to the elderly, infants, young children and people with chronic health problems (especially pre-existing heart disease) or disabilities are more vulnerable to the effects of heat waves. People who are not acclimated to hot weather, overexert themselves, are obese, or use alcohol and some drugs are at great risk.
Prevention
STRATEGIES:
• Drink plenty of water and natural fruit juices, even if you’re not thirsty. Avoid alcoholic beverages and drinks with caffeine, such as coffee, tea, and colas.
• Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing. If you must go out, use sunscreen and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
• Avoid going out during the hottest times of the day. Take frequent breaks if working during the heat of the day.
• Using a buddy system between co-workers in high heat-stress jobs can help ensure that signs of heat stress do not go unnoticed.
• Inside during the day, keep shades drawn and blinds closed. Use air conditioning whenever available. Even just two hours per day in air conditioning can significantly reduce the risk of heat-related illness.
• Fans should only be used in a ventilated room. Blow hot air out a window with a fan during the day and blow in cooler air at night.
• Take cool (not icy cold) baths or showers. Eat frequent, small meals. Avoid high protein foods, which increase metabolic heat. Fruits, vegetables, and salads constitute low protein meals.
• Do not leave children or pets in a closed vehicle with the windows up. Temperatures inside a closed vehicle can reach over 140 degrees within minutes.
• Provide extra water and access to a cool environment for pets.
• Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or media sources to keep up with the latest heat watches, warnings, and advisories.
|
|
|
This is a continuation of the SEMA/NWS/Local Emergency Management Summer Campaign June 21-27.
Many people do not realize how deadly a heat wave can be. In contrast to the visible, destructive, and violent nature of floods, hurricanes, and tornadoes, a heat wave is a “silent killer”. In 1995 alone, 1,021 Americans perished in heat waves, including 633 in Illinois and 57 in Missouri. From 1979 - 2003, excessive heat exposure caused 8,015 deaths in the United States. That produces an average of 276 deaths a year from excessive heat. During this period, more people in this country died from extreme heat than from hurricanes, lightning, tornadoes, floods and earthquakes combined. In 2001, 300 deaths were caused by excessive heat exposure. Currently CDC estimates that 400 people a year die from exposure to excessive heat.
The Most
Vulnerable
The elderly are the most vulnerable to the dangers of heat. Of the 522 deaths that occurred in Chicago during the July 12-16, 1995, heat wave, 371 (73 percent) were age 65 or older. The elderly suffer due to the diminished ability to perspire.
In addition to the elderly, infants, young children and people with chronic health problems (especially pre-existing heart disease) or disabilities are more vulnerable to the effects of heat waves. People who are not acclimated to hot weather, overexert themselves, are obese, or use alcohol and some drugs are at great risk.
Prevention
STRATEGIES:
• Drink plenty of water and natural fruit juices, even if you’re not thirsty. Avoid alcoholic beverages and drinks with caffeine, such as coffee, tea, and colas.
• Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing. If you must go out, use sunscreen and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
• Avoid going out during the hottest times of the day. Take frequent breaks if working during the heat of the day.
• Using a buddy system between co-workers in high heat-stress jobs can help ensure that signs of heat stress do not go unnoticed.
• Inside during the day, keep shades drawn and blinds closed. Use air conditioning whenever available. Even just two hours per day in air conditioning can significantly reduce the risk of heat-related illness.
• Fans should only be used in a ventilated room. Blow hot air out a window with a fan during the day and blow in cooler air at night.
• Take cool (not icy cold) baths or showers. Eat frequent, small meals. Avoid high protein foods, which increase metabolic heat. Fruits, vegetables, and salads constitute low protein meals.
• Do not leave children or pets in a closed vehicle with the windows up. Temperatures inside a closed vehicle can reach over 140 degrees within minutes.
• Provide extra water and access to a cool environment for pets.
• Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or media sources to keep up with the latest heat watches, warnings, and advisories.
