Heat Safety
PREPARE
Heat Definitions Heat Index: The Heat Index (or Heat Indices) will indicate what temperature it feels like outside when relative humidity is factored in with the actual temperature. View the heat index chart below created by the National Weather Service. Notice the threshold at which heat indices become dangerous. Heat Advisory: A Heat Advisory is issued within 12 hours of the onset of the following conditions: heat index of at least 105°F but less than 115°F for less than 3 hours per day, or nighttime lows above 80°F for 2 consecutive days. Excessive Heat Watch: An Excessive Heat Watch is issued by the National Weather Service when heat indices in excess of 105ºF during the day combined with nighttime low temperatures of 80ºF or higher are forecast to occur for two consecutive days. Excessive Heat Warning: An Excessive Heat Warning is issued within 12 hours of the onset of the following criteria: heat index of at least 105°F for more than 3 hours per day for 2 consecutive days, or heat index more than 115°F for any period of time. Keep updated on Excessive Heat Outlooks. Excessive Heat Outlooks are issued when an excessive heat event may occur within 3-7 days. Persons who need time to plan ahead for a heat event or heat wave should pay close attention to these outlooks. |
TAKE ACTION
Know the Signs and Symptoms of Heat-Related Illnesses Heat Exhaustion Symptoms: Dizziness, fainting, headache, excessive sweating, rapid heart beat, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, muscle cramps, and pale skin. Treatment: Victim must be moved to a cool and shaded environment or air conditioned room. Lay the victim down and loosen or remove any tight clothing. Have the victim take a cool shower or bath, or apply as many cool wet towels to the victim's body as possible. If a fan is available, turn the fan on and direct it at the victim. Make sure the victim drinks plenty of fluids. Should these measures fail, or should the victim continue to vomit, call 911; heat exhaustion can become heat stroke if left untreated. Heat Stroke Symptoms: Throbbing headache, dizziness, fainting or loss of consciousness, confused state, rapid or shallow breathing, red and hot skin, nausea, vomiting, rapid heartbeat and pulse, and possibly seizures. Treatment: Heat stroke is a serious medical emergency. Call 911 or immediately transport the victim to the hospital. Delayed action can be fatal. If awaiting the arrival of medical personnel, move the victim to a cool and air conditioned environment and place as many cool wet towels on the victim's body as possible. Do not give the victim fluids. Also, a fan will not be an effective aide to the victim if the heat index is above the upper 90s. Follow any and all instructions given by the 911 operator. |
Important Information Regarding...
Children and Pets
Never, under any circumstances, leave a child or pet in a parked vehicle. Even when air temperatures are mild, such as around 80°F, the temperature inside the vehicle can increase to dangerous levels within just minutes. A dangerous medical condition known as Hyperthermia (not to be confused with Hypothermia), will strike children and even adults should the temperature inside the vehicle rise to a dangerous level. Hyperthermia is a condition in which body temperature rises to a dangerous level and more heat is absorbed than dissipated. Hyperthermia is a medical emergency and must be treated as it can cause serious injury or even death. Leaving a window open slightly does not considerably decrease the temperature inside the vehicle. Once again, pets as well should not be left inside a parked vehicle, and should not be left outside. Ohio law now allows a person to safely remove a child or pet from an overheating parked car using any means necessary that will not cause harm to the child or pet.
The Elderly
The elderly are especially susceptible to heat-related illnesses, and should be kept in an air conditioned environment at all times during a heat event. Check up on elderly relatives or neighbors frequently throughout the day and watch closely for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Make sure they are properly hydrated.
Children and Pets
Never, under any circumstances, leave a child or pet in a parked vehicle. Even when air temperatures are mild, such as around 80°F, the temperature inside the vehicle can increase to dangerous levels within just minutes. A dangerous medical condition known as Hyperthermia (not to be confused with Hypothermia), will strike children and even adults should the temperature inside the vehicle rise to a dangerous level. Hyperthermia is a condition in which body temperature rises to a dangerous level and more heat is absorbed than dissipated. Hyperthermia is a medical emergency and must be treated as it can cause serious injury or even death. Leaving a window open slightly does not considerably decrease the temperature inside the vehicle. Once again, pets as well should not be left inside a parked vehicle, and should not be left outside. Ohio law now allows a person to safely remove a child or pet from an overheating parked car using any means necessary that will not cause harm to the child or pet.
The Elderly
The elderly are especially susceptible to heat-related illnesses, and should be kept in an air conditioned environment at all times during a heat event. Check up on elderly relatives or neighbors frequently throughout the day and watch closely for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Make sure they are properly hydrated.
If Outdoors:
Persons outside need to take extra precautions to ensure their own safety. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends taking frequent rest breaks in cool, shaded, or air conditioned environments, as well as wearing light weight, light-colored, and loose fitting clothing, and drink water every 15 minutes regardless of whether or not you are thirsty. Strenuous activity during the daytime hours of a heat event should be avoided at all costs and any outdoor events should be moved inside.
In Case of Power Outage:
Should you lose power in your home during a heat event, and air conditioning is no longer available, take precautions to ensure the safety of everyone in the home. After sunset, open all windows and allow the cooler air to move into the house, and shut the windows right before sunrise. Close all blinds and drapes to prevent sunlight from entering the home. If available, spend the time during the power outage in an air conditioned building or cooling stations open throughout the area. Also, if able to do so, find an alternative place to stay such as with friends or family who have not lost power. Remember, should a heat emergency arise, call 911 or transport the victim to the hospital immediately.
Persons outside need to take extra precautions to ensure their own safety. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends taking frequent rest breaks in cool, shaded, or air conditioned environments, as well as wearing light weight, light-colored, and loose fitting clothing, and drink water every 15 minutes regardless of whether or not you are thirsty. Strenuous activity during the daytime hours of a heat event should be avoided at all costs and any outdoor events should be moved inside.
In Case of Power Outage:
Should you lose power in your home during a heat event, and air conditioning is no longer available, take precautions to ensure the safety of everyone in the home. After sunset, open all windows and allow the cooler air to move into the house, and shut the windows right before sunrise. Close all blinds and drapes to prevent sunlight from entering the home. If available, spend the time during the power outage in an air conditioned building or cooling stations open throughout the area. Also, if able to do so, find an alternative place to stay such as with friends or family who have not lost power. Remember, should a heat emergency arise, call 911 or transport the victim to the hospital immediately.
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