Beat The Heat

From Megawiki

Hyperthermia, also known as heat stroke or sunstroke, is an acute condition which occurs when the body produces or absorbs more heat than it can dissipate. It is usually due to excessive exposure to heat. The heat-regulating mechanisms of the body eventually become overwhelmed and unable to effectively deal with the heat, and body temperature climbs uncontrollably. This is a serious medical emergency that requires immediate hospitalization.


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RACINE COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT OFFERS BEAT THE HEAT TIPS


Racine County Emergency Management launched a new Preparedness Campaign in 2006. There is a different area of emphasis each month. The emphasis in June is "Beat the Heat."

During the summer of 1995, two killer heat waves affected most of Wisconsin. Together, they resulted in 154 heat-related deaths, and probably 300 to 400 heat-related illnesses. This makes the combined 1995 summer heat waves the biggest weather-related killers in Wisconsin for the past 50 years, far exceeding tornado deaths. Most of the deaths occurred in the major urban centers of southeast Wisconsin, with the elderly and young being the highest risk groups.


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Symptoms of Heat-Related Illness


  • Heat Cramps – cramps or muscle spasms in the abdomen, arms or legs

Solution: Stop activity, cool down, drink clear juice or sports drink

  • Heat Exhaustion – heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea, fainting

Solution: Cool down, seek medical attention if person has heart problems or high blood pressure

  • Heat Stroke – extremely high body temperature; red, hot, dry skin; rapid pulse; throbbing headache; dizziness; nausea; confusion; unconsciousness

Solution: Call 911 and cool the victim with shower or hose until help arrives

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The best defense against extreme heat is prevention. During hot weather:

  • Don’t wait until you’re thirsty. Drink plenty of fluids, avoiding drinks with caffeine, alcohol, or large amounts of sugar.
  • Stay in air-conditioned rooms when it’s hot. If you don’t have air conditioning, go to the mall, library or other public building which is air-conditioned.
  • Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
  • NEVER leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle.

If you must be out:

  • Limit your outdoor activity to morning and evening hours.
  • Cut down on exercise. If you must exercise, drink two to four glasses of cool, nonalcoholic fluids each hour. A sports beverage can replace the salt and minerals you lose in sweat.
  • Try to rest often in shady areas.
  • Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat (also keeps you cooler) and sunglasses and by putting on sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher.

Finally,

  • check in on families, friends and neighbors to make sure they are OK!

For more information on emergency preparedness, contact Racine County Emergency Management at 262.636.3515 or check out our website at www.racineco.com/emergencymanagement/preparedness.aspx.

David L. Maack, CEM, CPM Racine County Emergency Management 262.636.3515 e-mail: david.maack@goRacine.org www.racineco.com/emergencymanagement "Building a Disaster Resistant Community-Making Disaster Resistance a Way of Life"

WB9USI 10:08, 4 June 2006 (CDT)








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