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SEVERE WEATHER AWARENESS WEEK – FRIDAY: EXTREME HEAT

The Severe Weather Awareness Week Topic for Friday is Extreme Heat with Crookston Firefighter Brian Hanson. According to Hanson, Heat-related fatalities outpace deaths in several other weather categories.

“Based on national averages, exclusive heat claims 219 lives each year,” Hanson explains, “By contrast, floods end 88 lives, tornados take 57 lives, lightning take 52 lives, and hurricanes take 15 lives.” While it may not be as alarming and seemingly threatening as other severe weather incidents, severe heat is not something to take lightly as there are several problems and illnesses that can come from heat, such as muscular pain and spasms that usually occur in the legs or abdomen caused by exposure to high heat, humidity, loss of fluids and electrolytes. A way to cure this is to find a cool place to rest, whether that be inside in the air conditioning or in the shade, and to have plenty of water. Heat exhaustion is the loss of body fluids through heavy sweating during strenuous exercise or physical exercise in high heat or humidity. “Signs of heat exhaustion include cool, moist, pale or flushed skin, heavy sweating, headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness, and exhaustion,” Hanson explained. Heatstroke, also known as Sun Stroke, 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 heat stroke include hot, red skin which may be dry or moist, changes in conciseness, vomiting, and high body temperature,” Hanson explained, “Heatstroke is life-threatening. Call 911 immediately if you believe you or someone has it.”

Hanson also explains that the National Weather Service uses the Heat Index to issue Excessive Heat Warnings and Watches. An Excessive Heat Warning is issued within 12 hours of the Heat Index reaching one of two levels. “A warning will be issued if the Heat Index is greater than 105˚ F for any period of time,” Hanson explained. An Excessive Heat Watch is issued when the Heat Index is expected to be greater than 105˚ F at nighttime, and low temperatures will be at a minimum of 75˚ F or higher for more than two consecutive days.

Hanson then gave advice on what to do during a Heat Wave, advising people to drink more fluids, but not all drinks will help you stay cool in the heat. “Avoid alcohol and high sugar drinks such as soda energy drinks.” Hanson explained, “Stay in air conditioning places during the hottest parts of the day. If air conditioning is not available, then be a location with adequate shade, airflow, or ventilation. Make use of public venues or cooling centers if necessary.” He also advised people to wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing and never leave anyone or an animal inside a closed, parked vehicle.

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