EXTREME HEAT
A HEAT WAVE IS A PERIOD OF ABNORMALLY HOT AND HUMID WEATHER GENERALLY LASTING MORE THAN TWO DAYS. EXTREME HEAT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE HIGHEST NUMBER OF ANNUAL DEATHS AMONG ALL WEATHER-RELATED HAZARDS!
HEAT SAFETY TIPS
- LIMIT YOUR TIME OUTSIDE IF POSSIBLE
If you have to be outside for an extended period of time, take frequent breaks in the shade & wear loose clothing - DRINK LOTS OF WATER TO STAY HYDRATED
- NEVER LEAVE PEOPLE OR PETS IN A HOT CAR
- CHECK-IN ON ELDERLY & DISABLED INDIVIDUALS
- REVIEW SIGNS OF HEAT-RELATED ILLNESS
Scan the QR code to learn more about the symptoms and how to treat heat exhaustion and heat stroke
HEAT INDEX
THE HEAT INDEX IS WHAT THE TEMPERATURE FEELS LIKE TO THE HUMAN BODY WHEN RELATIVE HUMIDITY IS COMBINED WITH THE AIR TEMPERATURE.
HEAT EXHAUSTION OR HEAT STROKE
Heat Exhaustion
Symptoms
- Faint or dizzy
- Excessive sweating
- Cool, pale, clammy skin
- Nausea or vomiting
- Rapid, weak pulse!
- Muscle cramps
Solutions
- Get to a cooler, air conditioned place
- Drink water if fully conscious
- Take a cool shower or use cold compresses
Heat Stroke
Symptoms
- Throbbing headache, confusion
- No sweating
- Body temperature above 103° Red, hot, dry skin
- Nausea or vomiting
- Rapid, strong pulse
- May lose consciousness
Solutions
- CALL 9-1-1
- Move person to cooler place
- Cool using cool cloths or bath
- Do not give anything to drink
Heat Illness Signs
- Heavy sweating, dizziness, nausea and headaches.
- Get to a cool place.
- Sip water.
- Heat Stroke:
- Body temperature over 105, no sweating, weak pulse, shallow rapid breathing.
- Call 911 or get to the hospital!
Pet Safety
- Don’t let your dog linger on hot surfaces like asphalt and cement. Being so close to the ground can heat their body quickly and can cause burns on sensitive paw pads. Walk your pet early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid hot asphalt.
- Giving your dog a lightweight summer haircut can help prevent overheating, but never shave to the skin, the dog needs one-inch of protection to avoid getting sunburned.
- Provide access to fresh water at all times. Make certain an outside dog has access to shade and plenty of cool water.
- Restrict exercise when temperatures soar, and do not muzzle the dog because it inhibits their ability to pant.
- Many dogs enjoy a swim, splashing in a wading pool, or a run through a sprinkler in warmer weather can help bring body temperatures down.
- Never leave your pet in a parked car even if you park in the shade or plan to be gone for only a few minutes. The temperature inside of a car can reach oven-like temperatures in just minutes, often in excess of 140 degrees. That quick errand can turn into a disaster and could be fatal for your pet.