Extreme Heat

Know the dangers of heat-related illnesses so that you can protect your health during hot weather events.

Heat Stroke

Heat stroke occurs when the body is unable to regulate its temperature. During a heat stroke, the body’s temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails and the body is unable to cool down. Heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not given.

Recognizing Heat Stroke

A body temperature above 103 degrees Fahrenheit
Red, hot and dry skin that is not sweating A rapid, strong pulse
A throbbing headache
Dizziness
Nausea
Confusion
Unconsciousness

If you see any of these signs, have someone call for immediate medical assistance.

Heat Exhaustion

Heat exhaustion can develop after several days of exposure to high temperatures and inadequate replacement of fluids. The result is heat exhaustion which is the body’s response to an excessive loss of the water and salt that comprises sweat. Those prone to heat exhaustion are the elderly, people with high blood pressure and people working or exercising in a hot environment.

Recognizing Heat Exhaustion

Excessive sweating
Paleness
Muscle cramps/aches
Tiredness
Weakness
Dizziness
Headache
Nausea or vomiting
Fainting

Seek medical attention is any of these symptoms are severe.

Heat Cramps

Heat cramps tend to affect people who sweat a lot during strenuous activity. Such sweating reduces the body's salt and moisture levels. Low salt levels are usually the cause of heat cramps along with a symptom of heat exhaustion.

Heat cramps are muscle pains or spasms that usually occur in the abdomen, arms or legs. Heat cramps are generally in association with strenuous activity.
Stop all activity and sit calmly in a cool place.
Drink clear juice or a sports drink.
Do not return to strenuous activity for a few hours until the cramps are finished.
Seek medical attention if your heat cramps occur for over an hour.

Recognizing Heat Cramps

Heat cramps are muscle pains or spasms that usually occur in the abdomen, arms or legs. Heat cramps are generally in association with strenuous activity.

What to Do During Heat Cramps

Stop all activity and sit calmly in a cool place.
Drink clear juice or a sports drink.
Do not return to strenuous activity for a few hours until the cramps are finished.
Seek medical attention if your heat cramps occur for over an hour.

Sunburn

Sunburns should be avoided because they can damages to the skin. Most sunburns are considered to be mild but a more severe sunburn may require medical attention.

Recognizing Sunburn

The skin becomes:

Red
Painful
Abnormally warm

What to Do For a Sunburn

Avoid repeated sun exposure.
Apply cold compresses or immerse yourself in cool water.
Apply moisturizing lotion to affected areas.
Do not break any blisters.

Heat Rash

Heat rash is a skin irritation caused by excessive sweating during hot and/or humid weather. Heat rash is especially common in young children.

Recognizing Heat Rash

Heat rash looks like a red cluster of pimples or small blisters. It generally occurs on the neck, upper chest, in the groin, under the breasts or in elbow creases.

Treating heat rash does not typically require medical assistance.

To avoid heat-related illness on hot days:  

Drink plenty of water or fruit and vegetable juices. Avoid caffeine or alcohol.  
Limit time outdoors, especially in the afternoon when the day is hottest.  
Be careful about exercising or doing a lot of activities when it is hot. Stay out of the sun, take frequent breaks, drink water or juice often and watch for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.  
Dress for the weather. Loose-fitting, light-colored cotton clothes are cooler than dark colors or some synthetics.  
If you live in a home without fans or air conditioning, open windows to allow air flow, and keep shades, blinds or curtains drawn in the hottest part of the day or when the windows are in direct sunlight. Cool showers can help, too. Do not use a fan when the air temperature is above 95 degrees—it will blow hot air, which can add to heat stress.  

Health officials also warn that the temperature inside a parked car can reach more than 120 degrees in as little as 10 minutes. Direct sunlight and dark-colored interiors further speed the process. Children and animals should never be left in a parked car, even for a few minutes and even with the windows open. Lock parked cars to prevent children from playing in them, and it’s advised to leave pets at home even for short trips.