Extreme Heat

Extreme Heat

In southern California we frequently experience high temperatures over the summer. However, when extreme heat events happen it can greatly affect our communities. Remember, heat kills so take excessive heat events seriously to keep your family safe.

To keep cool during periods of excessive heat:

  • Slow down. Avoid strenuous activity. If you must work outside, try to do it during the coolest part of the day – usually in the early morning.
  • Stay indoors as much as possible. If you don’t have air conditioning, stay on the lowest floor of a building, out of the sun. Use electric fans if you have them. They don’t cool the air, but they do help sweat to evaporate, which cools your body. 
  • Drink plenty of water regularly, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Your body needs fluids to keep cool. Avoid beverages with caffeine, such as coffee, and alcohol. 
  • Eat smaller meals, but eat more often. 
  •  Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing and a hat. Light colors reflect heat and sunlight, and help your body maintain normal temperatures. 
  •  Don’t get too much sun. Sunburn makes the body’s job of keeping cool more difficult. 
  •  Check on elderly, children, and those who are ill; all are vulnerable to excessive heat. 
  •  Ensure that your pets are provided with shade and adequate water. 
  •  Don’t go outdoors if you don’t have to. 
  •  Don’t turn off air conditioning or fans to save money. During times of excessive heat, doing so may be hazardous to your health. 
  •  Never leave children, elderly, disabled, or pets/service animals alone in a vehicle. 
  • Always make sure your pet has fresh water every day. Check daily to make to ensure water bowl has not tilted over or is empty. 

Protect Yourself-Heat Stress

When the body is not able to cool itself by sweating, illnesses can occur such as heat stress, heat exhaustion, and the more severe heat stroke. These conditions can result in death. 

Factors Leading to Heat Stress

  •  High temperature and humidity
  •  Direct sun or heat 
  • Limited air movement
  • Physical exertion 
  • Poor physical condition 
  • Some medicines 
  • Low tolerance for hot places

Heat Stroke

Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related disorder. It occurs when the body is not able to control its temperature: the body's temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails, and the body is unable to cool down. When heat stroke occurs, the body temperature can rise to 106 degrees Fahrenheit or higher within 10 to 15 minutes. Heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not given.

 Symptoms

Symptoms of heat stroke include:

  •  Hot, dry skin (no sweating)
  •  Hallucinations
  •  Chills 
  • Throbbing headache
  •  High body temperature
  •  Confusion/dizziness
  •  Slurred speech

First Aid

Take the following steps to treat a worker with heat stroke:

  • Call 911 and notify their supervisor
  •  Move the sick person to a cool shaded area. 
  • Cool the person using methods such as: 
    • Soaking their clothes with water. 
    • Spraying, sponging, or showering them with water.
    •  Fanning their body.

Heat Exhaustion 

Heat exhaustion is the body's response to an excessive loss of water and salt, usually through excessive sweating. People most at risk of heat exhaustion are those that are elderly, have high blood pressure, and those working in a hot environment.

 Symptoms

Symptoms of heat exhaustion include: 

  • Heavy sweating
  • Extreme weakness or fatigue
  • Dizziness, confusion
  • Nausea 
  • Clammy, moist skin
  • Pale or flushed complexion 
  • Muscle cramps
  • Slightly elevated body temperature
  • Fast and shallow breathing

 First Aid

 Treat a person suffering from heat exhaustion with the following: 

  • Have them rest in a cool, shaded or air-conditioned area. 
  • Have them drink plenty of water or other cool, nonalcoholic beverages. 
  • Have them take a cool shower, bath, or sponge bath.

Heat Syncope

Heat syncope is a fainting (syncope) episode or dizziness that usually occurs with prolonged standing or sudden rising from a sitting or lying position. Factors that may contribute to heat syncope include dehydration and not being able to adjust to the heat.

 Symptoms

 Symptoms of heat syncope include: 

  • Light-headedness 
  • Dizziness 
  • Fainting

 First Aid 

People with heat syncope should: 

  • Sit or lie down in a cool place when they begin to feel symptoms. 
  • Slowly drink water, clear juice, or a sports beverage.

Heat Cramps

Heat cramps usually affect people who sweat a lot during strenuous activity. This sweating uses up the body's salt and moisture levels. Low salt levels in muscles causes painful cramps. Heat cramps may also be a symptom of heat exhaustion.

Symptoms 

Muscle pain or spasms usually in the abdomen, arms, or legs. 

First Aid

 People with heat cramps should: 

  • Stop all activity, and sit in a cool place. 
  • Drink clear juice or a sports beverage. 
  • Do not return to strenuous work for a few hours after the cramps subside because further exertion may lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
  • Seek medical attention if any of the following apply: 
    • The worker has heart problems. 
    • The worker is on a low-sodium diet. 
    • The cramps do not subside within one hour.

 Heat Rash 

Heat rash is a skin irritation caused by excessive sweating during hot, humid weather. 

Symptoms 

Symptoms of heat rash include: 

  • Heat rash looks like a red cluster of pimples or small blisters. 
  • It is more likely to occur on the neck and upper chest, in the groin, under the breasts, and in elbow creases.

 First Aid

People who have heat rash should: 

  • Try to stay in a cooler, less humid environment when possible.
  • Keep the affected area dry. 
  • Dusting powder may be used to increase comfort.

 For more information visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at: http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/ .