Buffalo is getting hot!



Photo courtesy of strongdog.org

The temperature is finally starting to heat up around here! And as we start to get out and enjoy the weather we have to start being aware of how hot it actually is.  Excessive heat has caused more deaths than all weather related events, which means that we need to take some time to learn more about heat waves as well as the signs of heat stroke.

A heat wave is generally when temperatures are 10 degrees or more above the average high temperature for the region during the summer months that last for a long period of time and occur with high humidity. 

These events are normally accompanied by 3 types of heat weather warnings:

·         Excessive Heat Watch—Conditions are favorable for an excessive heat event to meet or exceed local Excessive Heat Warning criteria in the next 24 to 72 hours.

·         Excessive Heat Warning—Heat Index values are forecast to meet or exceed locally defined warning criteria for at least 2 days (daytime highs=105-110° Fahrenheit).

·         Heat Advisory—Heat Index values are forecast to meet locally defined advisory criteria for 1 to 2 days (daytime highs=100-105° Fahrenheit).

Some signs of heat related health emergencies are as follows:

·        Heat cramps are caused by exposure to high heat and humidity and loss of fluids and electrolytes.

o   The signs include: muscular pains and spasms that usually occur in the legs or abdomen.

o   How to treat it: Move to a cool place; slowly drink cool water; remove tight clothing, apply cool compresses to skin.

·         Heat exhaustion normally involves the loss of body fluids through heavy sweating during strenuous exercise or physical labor in high heat and humidity. 

o   The signs include: cool, moist, pale or flushed skin; heavy sweating; headache; nausea; dizziness; weakness; exhaustion. 

o   How to treat it: move the person to a cooler place; remove or loosen tight clothing; apply cool, wet clothes or towels to skin; fan the person; if conscious, give the person small amounts of cool water to drink… make sure they drink slowly; watch for changes in condition.

§  If the person refuses water, is unconscious or vomits, call 9-1-1.

·         Heat stroke or sun stroke is a life-threatening condition which is caused by a person’s temperature control system not working, so the body is unable to cool itself. 

o   The signs include: hot, red skin which may be moist or dry; changes in consciousness; vomiting; high body temperature

o   How to treat it: Call 9-1-1 immediately; move the person to a cooler place; remove or loosen tight clothing; apply cool, wet clothes or towels to skin; fan the person; if conscious, give the person small amounts of cool water to drink… make sure they drink slowly; apply ice/cold packs wrapped in cloth to wrists, ankles, groin, neck, and armpits.

For tips on how to prepare for a heat wave and what you should do during a heat wave, click here to view a Red Cross fact sheet!