Today, May 23, 2014, is Heat Awareness Day. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), heat is one of the leading weather-related killers in the United States. In the heat wave of 1995 more than 700 deaths in the Chicago area were attributed to heat. In August 2003, a record heat wave in Europe claimed the lives of approximately 50,000 people.
The National Weather Services (NWS) issues the following heat-related products:
Excessive Heat Outlooks – when the potential exists for an excessive heat event in the next 3-7 days
Excessive Heat Watches – when conditions are favorable for an excessive heat event in the next 24-72 hours
Excessive Heat Warning/Advisories – when excessive heat is expected in the next 36 hours.
Alerts are based on Heat Index Values that measure how how it really feels based on actual air temperature and relative humidity. Excessive heat can be hazardous based on how high temperatures affects the body. In times of high heat and high humidity it becomes more difficult for the body to cool itself properly sometimes causing heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and/or heat stroke.
Here are some tips to follow to avoid heat-related illnesses:
Never leave children, disabled adults, or pets in parked vehicles
Make sure your child’s safety seat and seatbelt buckles aren’t too hot
Always make sure everyone (people and pets) has left the car when you reach your destination
Slow down on hot days and reduce outdoor activities
Dress for the hot summer weather in lightweight, light-colored fabrics
Stay Hydrated – drink plenty of water, non-alcoholic and decaffeinated fluids. Avoid alcoholic and caffeinated beverages, as they cause your body to lose fluids
Stay in air-conditioned places during excessive heat periods
Don’t get too much sun
Use the buddy system when in the heat – monitor the condition of those you are with and have others do the same for you
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