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FACT
SHEET |
| EXTREME
HEAT |
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Doing too much on a hot day,
spending too much time in the sun or staying too long in an overheated
place can cause heat related illnesses. Know the symptoms of heat
disorders and overexposure to the sun, and be ready to give first aid
treatment.
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HOW TO BE
PREPARED
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- Install window air
conditioners snugly.
- Close any floor heat
registers nearby.
- Insulate spaces around
air conditioners for a tighter fit.
- Use a circulating or box
fan to spread the cool air.
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- Keep heat outside and cool
air inside.
- Install temporary reflectors, such as aluminum foil covered cardboard, to reflect
any heat back outside. Keep the cool air inside by
weather-stripping doors and windowsills.
- Consider keeping storm
windows up all year. Storm
windows can keep the heat out of a house in the summer the same
way they keep the cold out in the winter.
- Check air-conditioning
ducts for proper insulation.
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SAFETY
DURING THE HEAT |
Protect
windows:
- Hang shades, draperies,
awnings or louvers on windows that receive morning or afternoon
sun. Outdoor awnings or louvers can reduce the heat entering the
house by as much as 80 percent.
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Conserve
electricity:
- During periods of extreme
heat, people tend to use a lot more power for air conditioning, which
can lead to a power shortage or outage. Stay indoors as much as
possible. If air conditioning is not available, stay on the
lowest floor out of the sunshine. Remember that electric fans do
not cool, they just blow hot air around.
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| Eat
well-balanced, light meals |
Drink
plenty of water regularly:
- Persons who have epilepsy or
heart, kidney or liver disease; are on fluid-restrictive diets; or
have a problem with fluid retention should consult a doctor before
increasing liquid intake.
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Limit
intake of alcoholic beverages:
- Although beer and alcohol
beverages appear to satisfy thirst, the actually cause further body
dehydration.
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Dress
in loose-fitting clothes that cover as much skin as possible.
- Lightweight, light-colored
clothing that reflects heat and sunlight and helps maintain normal
body temperature.
- Protect face and head by
wearing a wide-brimmed hat.
- Allow your body to get
acclimated to hot temperatures for the first 2 or 3 days of a heat
wave.
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Avoid
too much sunshine.
- Sunburn slows the skin's
ability to cool itself. Use a sunscreen lotion with a high SPF
(sun protection factor) rating.
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Avoid
extreme temperature changes:
- A cool shower immediately
after coming in from hot temperatures can result in hypothermia,
particularly for elderly and very young people.
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Slow
down:
- Reduce, eliminate, or
reschedule strenuous activities. High-risk individuals should
stay in cool places.
- Get plenty of rest to allow
your natural "cooling system" to work.
- Take salt tablets only if
specified by your physician. Persons
on salt-restrictive diets should check with a physician before
increasing salt intake.
- Vacuum air conditioner filters
weekly during periods of high use.
- Learn the symptoms of heat
disorders and know how to give first aid.
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During
a drought:
- Lower water use.
Watering the lawn and washing the car can waste water. Whenever
possible, re-use water.
- Place a brick or other large,
solid object in the flush tank of the toilet to reduce the water used
to flush.
- Farmers should contact the
county Farm Service Agency for disaster assistance
information.
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HEAT
DISORDERS |
Sunburn
Symptoms: Skin redness and pain, possible swelling,
blisters, fever & headaches.
First Aid: Take a shower, using soap, to
remove oils that may block pores preventing the body from cooling
naturally. If blisters occur, apply dry, sterile dressings and get
medical attention. |
Heat
Cramps Symptoms: Painful spasms, usually in leg and
abdominal muscles. Heavy sweating.
First Aid: Firm pressure on cramping muscles
or gentle massage to relieve spasm. Give sips of
water. If nausea occurs, discontinue. |
Heat
Exhaustion Symptoms: Heavy sweating, weakness, skin
cold, pale and clammy. Weak pulse. Normal temperature
possible. Fainting, vomiting.
First Aid: Get victim to lie down in a cool
place. Loosen clothing. Apply cool, wet cloths. Fan or
move victim to air-conditioned place. give sips of water. If
nausea occurs, discontinue. If vomiting occurs, seek immediate
medical attention. |
Heat
Stroke (Sun Stroke) Symptoms: High body temperature
(106+). Hot, dry skin. Rapid, strong pulse, Possible
unconsciousness. Victim will likely not sweat.
First Aid: heat stroke is a severe medical
emergency. Call 9-1-1 or emergency medical services, or get the victim
to a hospital immediately; Delay can be fatal. Move victim to a
cooler environment. Try a cool bath or sponging to reduce body
temperature. Use extreme caution. Remove clothing; use fans
and/or air conditioners. DO NOT GIVE FLUIDS. |
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