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Sizzling Temperatures a Danger Across the U.S.
High temperatures and humidity can cause illness and power drains
Lindsay E. Pond, Special to RedCross.org
Friday, July 21, 2006 — Between the heat and humidity, the country is boiling. Last Sunday, more than 20 states broke temperatures of 100 degrees, and the heat seems to be going nowhere fast. The National Weather Service is forecasting ongoing high temperatures, with few breaks from Mother Nature.
Communities throughout the Plains and even into the mountain regions have been under excessive heat warnings and heat advisories. The Northeast and Mid-Atlantic are experiencing similar conditions, although scattered showers and thunderstorms this past Tuesday granted a small reprieve.
While the heat seems to strike regions indiscriminately, its impact can vary depending on location. For example, areas of high humidity can make high temperatures feel even hotter—generally reported as the heat index or the “feels like” temperature some news outlets report. In urban areas, air pollution tends to trap heat, making it even hotter. Additionally, greater amounts of asphalt surfaces also cause cities to retain heat.
Staying Cool: How to Avoid the Heat
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For Heat Cramps or Heat Exhaustion
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- Get the person to a cooler place and have him or her rest in a comfortable position.
- If the person is fully awake and alert, give a half glass of cool water every 15 minutes. Do not let him or her drink too quickly.
- Remove or loosen tight clothing and apply cool, wet cloths such as towels or wet sheets.
- Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number if the person refuses water, vomits or loses consciousness.
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Regardless of the region, rising temperatures are a cause for concern. High temperatures can bring about a variety of complications to personal health, particularly when it comes regulating body temperature. The American Red Cross recommends staying indoors during these times.
“Under normal conditions, the body has its own mechanisms, such as perspiration to regulate its temperate,” said Scott Conner, American Red Cross Vice President of health and safety services. “However, under the extremely hot weather conditions we’re currently facing across much of the country, it can be difficult for the body to cool naturally.”
In response to the scorching heat, many communities and local Red Cross chapters have opened cooling centers, which allow the public to take refuge in the air conditioning. These cooling centers are particularly important to those who would not otherwise have access to air conditioning. The city of Detroit has designated 11 of their libraries as cooling centers. Chicago, Baltimore and Philadelphia set up similar operations in their public buildings.
If temperatures are above 90 degrees in your area, stay indoors. When air conditioning is not available at home or through a cooling center, go to a mall, a movie or visit your local library for relief from the heat.
Some work or other obligations may require being outdoors. If you must be outside:
- Wear light-colored clothing.
- Drink water, even if you are not thirsty.
- Work in the morning, before it gets too hot.
- Take frequent break in a cool location, preferably indoors.
Swimming pools have also been a prime destination, and many public pools have extended their hours in account of the heat. While this can provide heat relief, be sure to follow these heat precautions even when out by the pool. Dehydration and extreme sunburn are still risks, even when you are in the water.
Heat-related Illness: What to Watch For
The impact of the heat can vary from person-to-person as well. It’s important to know who is most likely to be affected and to know the signs of heat-related illness. The very young and very old are most susceptible, as are family pets.
“We all need to take proper precautions to safeguard against heat-related illnesses, which are very serious and even life-threatening,” Conner said.
This week’s heat wave already has contributed to more than 10 deaths, including a 3-year-old boy in Indiana who suffered heat-related symptoms after locking himself in a car. The deaths of two Chicago women in their 70s were also attributed to heat stress.
When temperatures rise, be sure to watch out for others, as well as yourself:
- Check on elderly neighbors.
- Bring your children and pets inside.
- Make sure everyone stays hydrated.
If you are spending time outdoors, be aware of the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat exhaustion is characterized by:
- Cool, moist, pale skin (the skin may be red right after physical activity).
- Headache.
- Dizziness and weakness or exhaustion.
- Nausea.
- The skin may or may not feel hot.
The later, more critical stage, heat stroke includes the same symptoms as heat exhaustion; however, they are often to a more extreme degree. They are characterized by high body temperatures, loss of consciousness and rapid, weak pulse or breathing.
Saving Energy: Help Prevent Local Blackouts
While it is best to stay indoors, many are tempted to crank up the air conditioning in their homes. The excess power consumption due to air conditioners use can tremendously tax power supplies, causing temporary brown or blackouts. As a result, some regions have called for citizens to conserve power during extreme heat. For example, in California, the governor has ordered that thermostats be adjusted and non-essential electronics, such as lights, be shut off when not in use in state offices this week to reduce power usage.
Because the additional usage can cause blackouts in your area as well as damage to your air conditioning unit, it’s important to be aware of how much energy you are using. You can conserve energy and help avoid a blackout during the heat by:
- Setting your thermostat around 80 degrees. This will keep your home at a safe and comfortable temperature without contributing to power supply issues.
- Turning off extra lights and electronics, especially between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.
- Keeping your garage door closed.
- Turning on a fan instead of turning up the air conditioning.
Energy aside, as the days sizzle on, it is most important to watch out for your physical health. Prevent heat-related issues by staying cool, staying indoors and staying hydrated by drinking lots of water.
For more information on heat safety, contact your local Red Cross chapter or visit “Facts & Tips” under the Health & Safety section on RedCross.org.
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