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Heat is one of the leading weather-related killers in the United States, resulting in hundreds of fatalities each year and even more heat-related illnesses. Extreme heat is defined by two or three consecutive days with temperatures above 90 degrees. Exposure to extreme heat can cause a number of sever medical issues. Some of these include; Heat Stroke, which is when the body is unable to control it's temperature anymore causing it to rapidly rise, heat exhaustion and even death.
What you can do before an extreme heat warning:
- Check with your Local Emergency Manager or County EMA for your closest cooling shelter or public building.
- Take steps to keep your house cool including closing shades, using fans and air conditioners if they are available.
- If you take medications ask your doctor if they will affect your heat tolerance.
- Pay attention to weather forecasts and if they are predicting high temperatures and humidity.
- Decrease time spent outdoors, especially if doing physical activities.
- Drink plenty of hydrating fluids, especially water.
- Take time to cool off in air conditoning, if you do not have any find a cooling center or an open public building.
- Check on family members and neighbors.
- NEVER leave children or pets in an enclosed vehicle. PARK-LOOK-LOCK