HEAT RELATED EMERGENCIES

 Heat related deaths are too common, and very avoidable.

HOW HOT IS IT?: As the temperature climbs, what you see on your backyard thermometer is not all you have to worry about.  The high humidity in the Houston / Gulf Coast area adds to the danger.  When you hear about the heat index of “Feels Like Temperature” this is taken into account.  According the National Weather Service, a nice cool 90º afternoon with a Gulf breeze, raising the humidity to a reasonable 60%, would make the Heat index about 100º.  A good warm afternoon, pushing 95º with the same 60% humidity will change the heat index to about 114º.

AVOID HEAT RELATED EMERGENCIES

NEVER LEAVE CHILDREN OR PETS IN A PARKED CAR: The temperature can rise to 135 degrees in less than 10 minutes, which can cause death to children or pets. If you see a child or pet unattended in a parked car, you should call 9-1-1 and alert authorities.

MAKE SURE YOU DRINK PLENTY OF FLUIDS: The replacement of fluids during the summer is essential for good health. Water is usually the best fluid. Fruit drinks are also good. Sport drinks are also good, but you should drink an equal amount of plain water with sport drinks. Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages should be avoided.

TURN ON THE AIR-CONDITIONER: If you do not have an air-conditioner or your cooling bills are getting too high, go to a public building like the Library, Mall or Civic Center.  Don’t just sit at home and over heat.

TAKE FREQUENT BREAKS IN A COOL PLACE WHEN WORKING OUTSIDE: Whether you work outside for a living, or are just working on that weekend project, don’t push it in the heat of the day.  Wear light clothing, drink plenty of fluids, and take a break.  Find a shade tree, awning, garage, air-conditioned house or vehicle.  Fatigue is a warning sign, cramps are a danger signal.  The time you loose cooling off is far less than the recovery time from HEAT EXHAUSTION or HEAT STROKE and quite frankly, you never will finish that project if you’re dead.

WHAT DO YOU DO?: 

A. Dehydration - This means the body is running low on liquids. The first indicator is being thirsty or having a dry mouth and if your urine is extremely concentrated or very dark. These are all indicators that your body is suffering from dehydration. You should replace fluids as quickly as possible. To prevent dehydration, keep drinking fluids, at least eight ounces (one cup of water) every hour. If you are physically active or working outside, you should double your liquid intake. 

B. Heat Exhaustion - The victim will suffer dizziness, light-headedness, and sweat profusely. Have the victim rest in a cool place and drink fluids such as water. This condition should clear in a few minutes. 

C. Heat Stroke - This is a medical emergency. Usually the person will faint and may become unconscious. Their skin will be hot, red in color and the victim will not be sweating. You should move the victim to a cool place, wet the skin with wet-cool cloths, and do not give the victim anything to drink. Call 9-1-1.

IF YOU ARE IN DOUBT – CALL 9-1-1.

For more information, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention WEB site on Hot Weather Health Emergencies.