Summer time can be fun a little – I like a day at 90 degrees so that the cold swimming pool feels refreshing – but many of us have seen heat advice seriously lately. When the temperature and humidity are high enough, time can be really dangerous. Here is what you need to know to stay cool and stay safe.
What is an excessive heat warning?
First of all, let’s talk about the difference between a “warning” and a watch or perspective. A warning is the most serious of the three. As the normal fire service explained it with an analogy to the Taco, a watch in Taco means that we have the ingredients to make tacos. A taco warning means you better prepare because we have tacos right away.
Here is how the ocean and atmospheric national administration describes these three levels:
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A Excessive heat prospects means that an excessive heat event could occur in the next three to seven days.
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A excessive heat watch means that weather conditions are such that excessive heat event is probably in the next 24 to 72 hours.
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A excessive heat warning means that a dangerous level of heat arrives in the next 12 to 24 hours. The Red Cross says that it means that it is time to “take precautions immediately to avoid heat-related diseases”.
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A heat notice means that dangerous thermal conditions are already occurring.
You can see weather statements as well as the above for your region by going to Weather.gov, which has a large color code card on the first page indicating which areas are under a watch or a warning, and for what dangers. (Fire, wind and flood alerts are also included.)
How to stay hydrated in a heat wave
The heat can be dangerous. If you become so hot that you cannot cool, you are sensitive to heat disease, including exhaustion of heat and heat stroke.
So, when it comes to taking care of yourself and checking others, make sure to:
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Stay hydrated. Drinking enough water allows your body to cool by sweating. Drink before you thirst and drink a lot of water; Keep sugary drinks at least.
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Get electrolytes. You lose sodium of your body when you sweat, but normal food intake is generally sufficient to replace it. Sports drinks and electrolyte tablets are also practical.
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Check with your doctor If you have a condition that forces you to closely monitor your hydration or electrolytes. They can give you more specific advice on the quantity you should drink. Also ask if one of your drugs can make you more sensitive to extreme heat; Some can.
A note for those who sweat a lot, especially athletes and outdoor workers: normally, it is normal to drink when you are thirsty, and your body will ensure that it will remain hydrated. But under extreme conditions, this may not be enough, because your body can only absorb so much water per hour. If you sweat water out faster than your digestive system can bring it InIt is difficult to remain properly hydrated. This is why it can be a good idea to start your day, or your training, more hydrated.
How to stay cool in a heat wave
First, stay in air conditioning as much as you can. If you don’t have air conditioning at home, find air -conditioned places, you can spend time. It can be a house of a friend or a family member, or public places such as a shopping center or a library. Communities have often installed cooling stations for heat relief. If you cannot find one, see your local health service, with this directory that binds directly to the local cooling stations lists as far as possible, or call 2-1-1.
When you have to go out, wear light and loose clothes and stay in the shade as much as you can. Bring your water. Do not forget a sunscreen if you are in the sun and do not forget that all the sunscreen is not resistant to perspiration.
The early morning and the end of the evening will be the poorest moments outside. Use these times for exercise, outdoor work or other physical tasks. Plan in time to rest in the shade if necessary, for example if you are going to walk to the store.
Electric fans are perfect for cooling if they are slightly hot, but once temperatures are in the 90s or higher, a fan alone cannot keep you cool enough to avoid heat disease. Look for air conditioning or take a cold shower or bath.
What do you think so far?
How to take care of dear beings in a heat wave
The same tips you use for yourself also apply to others, including children, pets and elderly neighbors. Make sure you never leave children or pets in a car in the heat, even for a short time. Check when you leave the car everyone has released.
If you know people who do not have air conditioning, be sure to check them. It is estimated that 80% of extreme heat deaths occur in people aged 60 or over, so check the older people in your life. Find out if they are able to stay in the fridge or if they need a turn to a cooling station. Also check their pets.
The Red Cross advises checking the elderly and people with chronic health problems at least twice a day and asking these questions:
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Did they work enough water?
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Do they have access to air conditioning?
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Do they know how to stay cool?
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Do they show signs of thermal stress?
Know the signs of heat disease
Heat exhaustion occurs when we cannot cool enough. It is not an emergency AgainBut could quickly get worse. Nausea, vomiting, dizziness and the feeling of weakness can all occur with the exhaustion of heat. The skin is generally cold, pale, moist and sweaty. If you vomit heat or your symptoms last for more than an hour, it’s time to ask for medical help.
Heat stroke is the next step, and it is an emergency. Call 911 if someone has a high body temperature (more than 103), if it acts confused or drunk, if it vanishes, or if it has stopped sweating and has hot and red skin. The CDC has more information here.
In both cases, it is important to cool the person. (If you have called 911, do it while you expect help.) Log the clothes and consider a cold bath or shower, or place fresh wet cloths on the person. You can offer them a sip of water if they have heat exhaustion, but jump this step if they have signs of heat stroke.
If all of this is too much to remember, the Red Cross has a printable information sheet that includes advice for staying cool and a graphic with the symptoms and first aid for heat disease.
