HEAT AND DROUGHT
INFORMATION AND SAFETY RULES
Summers are
hot and dry, especially in the Inland Northwest where high temperatures can
range from the 90s into the triple digits for several days in a row. Too much
heat can be harmful to your health as it taxes the human body beyond its abilities.
Doing too much on a hot day, spending too much time in the sun or staying too
long in an overheated place can cause heat-related illnesses. In a normal year,
about 175 Americans succumb to the demands of summer heat. Among the large continental
family of natural hazards, only the cold of winter - not flooding, lightning,
hurricanes, tornadoes and earthquakes - takes a greater toll.
Human bodies dissipate
heat by varying the rate and depth of blood circulation, sweating and panting.
Heat disorders develop when there is a reduction or collapse of these bodily
systems. Ranging in severity, heat disorders share one common feature: the individual
has overexposed or overexercised for his age and physical condition in the existing
thermal environment. It is important to know the symptoms of heat disorders
and overexposure to the sun, and be ready to give first aid treatment.
What are these painful
and debilating heat disorders.
- Sunburn - Redness and pain. In
severe cases swelling of the skin, blisters, fever and headaches.
- Heat Cramps - Painful spasms usually
in muscles of legs and abdomen possible. Heavy sweating.
- Heat Exhaustion - Heavy sweating,
weakness, skin cold, pale and clammy. Pulse thready. Normal temperature possible.
Fainting and vomiting.
- Heat Stroke or Sun Stroke - High
body temperature (106 degrees F or higher). Hot dry skin. Rapid and strong
pulse. Possible unconsciousness.
Considering the tragic
death toll and the stages of heat disorders, the National Weather Service stepped
up efforts to aleart more effectively the general public and local authorities
to the hazards of heat. Based on the latest research, the Heat Index was devised
which takes in account both temperature and humidity to give a more apparent
temperature.
Heat
Index |
Possible
heat disorders |
130 or higher
|
Heatstroke/Sunstroke
highly likely with continued exposure |
105-130 |
Sunstroke, heat
cramps, or heat exhaustion likely, and heatstroke possible with prolonged
exposure and/or physical activity |
90-105 |
Sunstroke, heat
cramps, and heat exhaustion possible with prolonged exposure and/or physical
activity |
80-90 |
Fatigue possible
with prolonged exposure and/or physical activity |
When it gets hot,
remember these safety rules to keep cool and safe!
- Slow down. Strenuous activities
should be reduced, eliminated, or rescheduled for the coolest time of the
day. Individuals at risk should stay in the coolest available place, not necessarily
indoors.
- Dress for summer. Lightweight
light-colored clothing reflects heat and sunlight, and helps your body maintain
normal temperatures.
- Put less fuel on your inner fires.
Foods (like proteins) that increase metabolic heat production also increase
water loss.
- Drink plenty of water or other
non-alcohol fluids. Your body needs water to keep cool. Drink plenty of fluids
even if you don't feel thirsty.
- Avoid alcoholic beverages.
- Do not take salt tablets unless
specified by a doctor.
- Spend more time in air conditioned
places.
- Don't get too much sun. Sunburn
lessens the effects of heat dissipation.
During a Drought
- Lower water use.
Watering the lawn and washing the car waste water. Whenever possible, re-use
water.
- Place a brick or
other large, solid object in the flush tank of the toilet to reduce the water
used to flush.
For more information:
|
National Weather Service Mission: "The
National Weather Service (NWS) provides weather,
hydrologic, and climate forecasts and warnings for
the United States, its territories, adjacent waters
and ocean areas, for the protection of life and
property and the enhancement of the national economy.
NWS data and products form a national information
database and infrastructure which can be used by
other governmental agencies, the private sector,
the public, and the global community." |