Today’s Severe Weather Awareness Week topic is Extreme Heat. Heat-related deaths account for more deaths in an average year in the United States than floods, tornadoes, lightning, and hurricanes combined, according to Crookston Firefighter Brian Hanson. “Heat-related fatalities outpace deaths in several other weather categories,” said Hanson. “Based on the national average, excessive heat claimed 219 lives each year from 1992-2001. By contrast, floods killed 88 people, tornadoes-57, lightning-52, and hurricanes-15. This is something that even in our neck of the woods, it is serious to know what we are dealing with.”
The National Weather Service uses the Heat Index to issue Excessive Heat Warnings and Excessive Heat Watches. A watch is when there is an expectation of excessive heat, while a warning is issued once the Heat Index has reached 105˚ F explains Hanson. “An excessive heat warning is issued within 12 hours of the heat index reaching 105˚ F for any period of time,” said Hanson. “An excessive heat watch will be issued when the heat index is expected to greater than 105˚ F, and the nighttime low temperature will be at least 75˚ F or higher for two consecutive days.”
There are several indicators of heat-related illness from heat cramps, which are muscular pain and spasms in the legs or abdomen. Heat exhaustion is the loss of body fluids through heavy sweating in high heat or humidity. The signs of heat exhaustion are cool, moist, pale or flushed skin, headaches, nausea, dizziness, heavy sweating, weakness, exhaustion. Heatstroke, also known as sunstroke, is a life-threatening condition in which a person’s temperature control system stops working and the body is unable to cool itself. Signs of heatstroke include hot, red skin which may be dry or moist, changes in consciousness, vomiting, and high body temperature. Heatstroke is life-threatening, and if you believe someone is suffering from heatstroke, you should call 911 immediately.
Staying inside or if you have to be outside, making sure you stay hydrated is the best way to avoid heat-related illness, says Hanson. “During a heatwave, we’re going to ask that you drink more fluids, primarily water,” said Hanson. “And try to stay away from the alcohol and high-sugar drinks such as pops, Gatorades, and things like that. You need to be staying inside where you have air conditioning in place during those days. If air conditioning is not available, be in a location with adequate shade, airflow, and ventilation. Make use of public venues or cooling centers if necessary. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing, and loose-fitting clothing will help cool you down also. And never leave any person or animal in a closed, parked vehicle.
