<---*(
Center for Disease Control Website )*--->
https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/heat_guide.html <---*(
CLIMATE CHANGE and EXTREME HEAT GUIDEBOOK)*--->
https://www.cdc.gov/climateandhealth/pubs/extreme-heat-guidebook.pdf <---*(
Tips for Preventing Heat-Related Illness)*--->
https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/heattips.html====================================================================================
About Extreme HeatHeat related deaths and illnesses are preventable.
Despite this, around 618 people in the United States are killed by extreme heat every year.
This website provides helpful tips, information, and resources to help you stay safe in the extreme heat this summer.
What is Extreme Heat?
Extreme heat is defined as summertime temperatures that are much hotter and/or humid than average.
Because some places are hotter than others, this depends on what’s considered average for a particular location at that time of year. Humid and muggy conditions can make it seem hotter than it really is.
What Causes Heat-Related Illness?
Heat-related illnesses, like heat exhaustion or heat stroke, happen when the body is not able to properly cool itself.
While the body normally cools itself by sweating, during extreme heat, this might not be enough.
In these cases, a person’s body temperature rises faster than it can cool itself down.
This can cause damage to the brain and other vital organs.
Some factors that might increase your risk of developing a heat-related illness include:
* High levels of humidity
* Obesity
* Fever
* Dehydration
* Prescription drug use
* Heart disease
* Mental illness
* Poor circulation
* Sunburn
* Alcohol use
Who is Most at Risk?
* Older adults
* The very young
* People with mental illness and chronic diseases are at highest risk.
However, even young and healthy people can be affected if they participate in strenuous physical activities during hot weather.
Summertime activity, whether on the playing field or the construction site, must be balanced with actions that help the body cool itself to prevent heat-related illness.
Use this website to learn more on how to stay safe in the heat this summer, including how to prevent, recognize, and cope with heat-related illness.
Warning Signs and Symptoms of Heat-Related IllnessHeat-related illnesses are preventable.
Learn the symptoms and what to do if you or a loved one shows signs of having a heat-related illness.
<---*(
HEAT STROKE)*--->
WHAT TO LOOK FOR:
• High body temperature (103°F or higher)
• Hot, red, dry, or damp skin
• Fast, strong pulse
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Confusion
• Losing consciousness (passing out)
WHAT TO DO:
•
Call 911 right away-heat stroke is a medical emergency•
Move the person to a cooler place•
Help lower the person’s temperature with cool cloths or a cool bath•
DO NOT give the person anything to drink <---*(
HEAT EXHAUSTION)*--->
WHAT TO LOOK FOR:
• Heavy sweating
• Cold, pale, and clammy skin
• Fast, weak pulse
• Nausea or vomiting
• Muscle cramps
• Tiredness or weakness
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Fainting (passing out)
WHAT TO DO:
• Move to a cool place
• Loosen your clothes
• Put cool, wet cloths on your body or take a cool bath
• Sip water
GET MEDICAL HELP RIGHT AWAY IF:
•
You are throwing up
• Your symptoms get worse
• Your symptoms last longer than 1 hour <---*(
HEAT CRAMPS)*--->
WHAT TO LOOK FOR:
• Heavy sweating during intense exercise
• Muscle pain or spasms
WHAT TO DO:
• Stop physical activity and move to a cool place
• Drink water or a sports drink
• Wait for cramps to go away before you do any more physical activity
GET MEDICAL HELP RIGHT AWAY IF:
•
Cramps last longer than 1 hour
• You’re on a low-sodium diet
• You have heart problems <---*(
SUNBURN)*--->
WHAT TO LOOK FOR:
• Painful, red, and warm skin
• Blisters on the skin
WHAT TO DO:
• Stay out of the sun until your sunburn heals
• Put cool cloths on sunburned areas or take a cool bath
• Put moisturizing lotion on sunburned areas
• Do not break blisters
<---*(
HEAT RASH)*--->
WHAT TO LOOK FOR:
• Red clusters of small blisters that look like pimples on the skin
(usually on the neck, chest, groin, or in elbow creases)
WHAT TO DO:
• Stay in a cool, dry place
• Keep the rash dry
• Use powder (like baby powder) to soothe the rash
<---*(
Protecting Vulnerable Groups from Extreme Heat)*--->
<---*(
Heat and Older Adults)*--->
People aged 65 years or older are more prone to heat-related health problems.
If you’re an older adult or a caretaker, review this page for information on how you or the person you’re caring for can stay safe during the heat.
Why are older adults more prone to heat stress?
* Older adults do not adjust as well as young people to sudden changes in temperature.
* They are more likely to have a chronic medical condition that changes normal body responses to heat.
* They are more likely to take prescription medicines that affect the body’s ability to control its temperature or sweat.
* Stay cool, stay hydrated
* Stay in air-conditioned buildings as much as possible.
* If your home doesn’t have air conditioning, contact your local health department or locate an air-conditioned shelter in your area.
* DO NOT rely on a fan as your main cooling source when it’s really hot outside.
* Drink more water than usual and don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink.
* If your doctor limits the amount of fluids you drink or has you on water pills, ask them how much you should drink during hot weather.
* DON,T use the stove or oven to cook—it will make you and your house hotter.
* Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
* Take cool showers or baths to cool down.
* DO NOT engage in very strenuous activities and get plenty of rest.
* Check on a friend or neighbor and have someone do the same for you.
* Follow additional tips on how to prevent heat-related illness.
STAY INFORMED* Check the local news for health and safety updates.
*
Seek medical care immediately if you have, or someone you know has, symptoms of heat-related illness like muscle cramps, headaches, nausea or vomiting.
CARETAKER CHECKLISTKeep a close eye on those in your care by visiting them at least twice a day, and ask yourself these questions:
* Are they drinking enough water?
* Do they have access to air conditioning?
* Do they know how to keep cool?
* Do they show any signs of heat stress?
<---*(
HEAT EFFECTING INFANTS & CHILDREN)*--->
Infants and young children rely on others to keep them cool and hydrated when it’s hot outside.
KEEP KIDS COOL & HYDRATED* Never leave infants or children in a parked car, even if the windows are open.
* Dress infants and children in loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
* Make sure they’re drinking plenty of fluids. Stay away from really cold drinks or drinks with too much sugar.
* Follow additional tips on how to prevent heat-related illness.
NEVER LEAVE KIDS IN A PARKED CAR* Even when it feels cool outside, cars can heat up to dangerous temperatures very quickly.
* Leaving a window open is not enough- temperatures inside the car can rise almost 20 degrees Fahrenheit within the first 10 minutes, even with a window cracked open.
* Children who are left unattended in parked cars are at greatest risk for heat stroke, and possibly death.
TIPS FOR TRAVELING WITH CHILDREN* Never leave infants or children in a parked car, even if the windows are cracked open.
* To remind yourself that a child is in the car, keep a stuffed animal in the car seat.
* When the child is buckled in, place the stuffed animal in the front with the driver.
* When leaving your car, check to be sure everyone is out of the car.
* DO NOT overlook any children who have fallen asleep in the car.
LEARN HOW TO SPOT HEAT RELATED ILLNESSES* Seek medical care immediately if your child has symptoms of heat-related illness.
https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/warning.html <---*(
HEAT & OUTDOOR WORKERS)*--->
People who work outdoors are more likely to become dehydrated and get heat-related illness.
WARNING!
If you feel
FAINT or
WEAK, STOP ALL ACTIVITY and GET TO A COOL PLACE
IF YOU HAVE TO WORK WHILE IT,S HOT OUTSIDE:
* Prevent Heat Illness with Acclimatization-->
https://www.cdc.gov/features/prevent-heat-illness/* Drink plenty of water, and don’t wait until you are thirsty to drink.
* Avoid alcohol or liquids containing large amounts of sugar.
* Wear and reapply sunscreen as indicated on the package.
* Ask if tasks can be scheduled for earlier or later in the day to avoid midday heat.
* Wear a brimmed hat and loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
* Spend time in air-conditioned buildings during breaks and after work.
* Encourage co-workers to take breaks to cool off and drink water.
Follow additional tips on how to prevent heat-related illness.
https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/heattips.htmlLEARN HOW TO SPOT HEAT RELATED ILLNESSSeek medical care immediately if you or a co-worker has symptoms of heat-related illness.
For more information on workers and heat stress, please visit:
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).
https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/heatstress/ <---*(
HEAT & THE LOW INCOME)*--->
Prepare ahead of time for extreme heat this summer, especially if air conditioning is not available in your home.
STAY COOL / STAY HYDRATED* If available, use air conditioning to keep your home cool.
* Drink more water than usual, and don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink.
* Use a buddy system- check on a friend or neighbor, and have someone do the same for you.
* Follow additional tips on how to prevent heat-related illness.
IF AIR CONDITIONING is NOT AVAILABLE in your HOME:
* Contact Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)External for help.
* Contact your local health department or locate an air-conditioned shelter in your area.
* Spend some time at a shopping mall or public library- even a few hours spent in air conditioning can help.
* Take cool showers or baths.
* Don’t rely solely on fans to keep you cool. While electric fans might provide some comfort, when temperatures are really hot, they won’t prevent heat-related illness.
* Use your stove and oven less to maintain a cooler temperature in your home.
Learn how to spot heat-related illness-->
https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/warning.htmlSeek medical care immediately if you have, or someone you know has, symptoms of heat-related illness like muscle cramps, headaches, nausea or vomiting. <---*(
HEAT & PETS)*--->
KEEP YOUR PETS SAFE* Never leave your pet in a parked car- they can suffer from heat-related illness too!
* Provide plenty of fresh water for your pets, and leave the water in a shady area.
NEVER LEAVE PETS IN A PARKED CAR* Even in cool temperatures, cars can heat up to dangerous temperatures very quickly.
* Leaving a window open is not enough- temperatures inside the car can rise almost 20 degrees Fahrenheit within the first 10 minutes, even with a window cracked open.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCESLearn more about how to keep your pet safe during emergencies.
https://www.cdc.gov/features/petsanddisasters/Related LinksClimate Change- Extreme Heathttps://ephtracking.cdc.gov/showClimateChangeLandingHeat Stress Illnesshttps://ephtracking.cdc.gov/showHeatStressIllnessLandingSearch Heat Stress Illness Datahttps://ephtracking.cdc.gov/DataExplorer/index.html?c=24&i=-1&m=-1#/Temperature Extremes- Climate and Healthhttps://www.cdc.gov/climateandhealth/effects/temperature_extremes.htm
