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Summer Safety Information
Š Š Š - Heat Wave - Š Š Š
A Major Summer Killer
Heat kills by taxing the human body beyond its abilities. In a normal year, about 175 Americans succumb to the demands of summer heat. Among the large continental family of natural hazards, only the cold of winter - not lightning, hurricanes, tornadoes, floods or earthquakes - takes a greater toll. Heat wave is a killer.
National Weather Service Heat Index Program
The National Weather Service (NWS) has stepped up its efforts to alert more effectively the general public and appropriate authorities to the hazards of heat waves - those prolonged excessive heat/humidity episodes. The NWS has devised the "Heat Index" (HI) sometimes referred to as the "apparent temperature" which is given in degrees Fahrenheit (F) and is an accurate measure of how hot it really feels when relative humidity (RH) is added to the actual air temperature.
Heat Index and Associated Heat Disorders
(HI) 130º or higher = heatstroke/sunstroke are highly likely with continued exposure
(HI) 105º - 130º = sunstroke, heat cramps or heat exhaustion very likely to occur and heatstroke is possible with prolonged exposure or physical activity
(HI) 90º - 105º = sunstroke, heat cramps or heat exhaustion with prolonged exposure or physical activity
(HI) 80º - 90º = fatigue very possible possible with prolonged exposure or physical activity
***watch your local news station for the Heat Index (HI) numbers***
****check www.weather.com for HI numbers in your locale****
Know These Heat Disorder Symptoms
Sunburn: Redness and pain top layer of skin. Severe cases show signs of swelling, blisters, fever, headaches and nausea.
Heat Cramps: Painful spasms usually in muscles of the legs and abdomen. Profuse sweating.
Heat Exhaustion: Profuse sweating, weakness, skin is cool, pale and clammy. Pulse usually normal and body temperature is usually normal as well. Maybe fainting or vomiting.
Heat Stroke (sunstroke): High body temp (106º F or higher). Skin is hot and dry. Pulse is rapid and strong. Possible unconsciousness. This is the most dangerous of all disorders and can be fatal if not detected and treated soon.
First Aid
***** REMOVE PERSON FROM SOURCE OF HEAT/SUN EXPOSURE *****
Sunburn: Apply cool water to effected areas, use garden hose, swimming pool or towels soaked in cool water. DO NOT break blisters! If pain and discomfort continue see your doctor or go to the Emergency Room at your local Hospital.
Heat Cramps: Massage cramping muscles with firm pressure. Give sips of water but if nausea/vomiting begin stop the liquids.
Heat Exhaustion: Place victim in cool area (air conditioned room is best) apply cool towels. Give sips of water but if nausea/vomiting begin stop the liquids. If victim does not improve within 30 minutes seek medical care.
Heat Stroke: This condition requires medical attention at once!! Do no procrastinate call 911 take victim to hospital for professional care.
Heat Wave Safety Tips
Slow Down - strenuous activities should be reduced or eliminated until after the heat wave has passed. Reschedule as many activities as possible to the coolest part of the day, usually the evening hours. People with medical problems should avoid strenuous activities all together.
Stay Cool - when possible stay indoors in air conditioned rooms or have fans available to circulate the air. Block the suns rays from open windows with room darkening shades if possible. Go the public swimming pool or YMCA or health club.
Dress For Summer - lightweight clothing is best and light colors are recommended.
Put Less Fuel On Your Inner Fire - in other words "EAT LESS". Heavy meals puts an added burden on the body and with exposure to high heat levels this can lead to a number of complications. Eat smaller meals.
Drink Plenty Of Water Or Other Non-Alcohol Beverages - your body needs to replace fluids lost to sweating and it needs water to keep cool. Drink plenty of water even if you do not feel thirsty.
Do Not Drink Alcoholic Beverages - this is a no brainer.
Do Not Take Salt Tables - unless your doctor tells you to do so do not take them. You can raise your sodium content to dangerous levels and create other health problems.
Do Not Get Too Much Sun Exposure - even a day at the beach can spell trouble. If possible stay indoors with an air conditioner. If you do go to the beach or poolside or if you are required to work in the outdoors keep your exposure to the sun limited.
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I.A.F.F. Local 848