WEATHER
High temperatures in US: how can heat exhaustion be prevented?
As a heat dome settles over the west of the United States, we look at some tips to stay cool and avoid exhaustion.
A brutal heatwave is bringing heat warnings to areas across the U.S., with the west of the country sweltering under a heat dome. Public health officials are warning residents in California, Nevada, Utah and Arizona that they should prepare for temperatures to hit up to 104 degrees and be ready to take precautions.
The US government classes extreme heat as “a period of high heat and humidity with temperatures above 90 degrees for at least two to three days.” Extreme heat is responsible for the highest number of deaths a year among all weather-related hazards.
Those who are most vulnerable to the effects of this heat are older adults, children, individuals who are ill, and those who are overweight. Heat exhaustion can affect these groups more easily, and occurs when the body becomes dehydrated, oftentimes due to excessive sweating.
What does the heat do to our bodies?
Maintaining a body temperature of 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit is crucial for our well-being. If the temperature goes beyond this, our body has to work harder to maintain it, which can lead to various health issues associated with extreme heat.
The most common is heat stroke. This can be measured by a temperature reading greater than 98.6 degrees. If someone is experiencing dizziness and has red skin but is not sweating, it could be a symptom of a serious condition. It is important to seek medical attention by taking the person to the hospital. Additionally, there are two other illnesses related to heat that are worth noting: heat cramps and exhaustion.
Things you can do to avoid heat exhaustion
The ready.gov website has a list of recommendations that you can apply to keep cool this season:
- Never leave people or pets in a closed car on a warm day.
- If air conditioning is not available in your home go to a cooling center.
- Take cool showers or baths.
- Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
- Use your oven less to help reduce the temperature in your home.
- If you’re outside, find shade. Wear a hat wide enough to protect your face.
- Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
- Avoid high-energy activities or work outdoors, during midday heat, if possible.
- Check on family members, seniors and neighbors.
- Watch for heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
- Consider pet safety. If they are outside, make sure they have plenty of cool water and access to comfortable shade. Asphalt and dark pavement can be very hot to your pet’s feet.
It is not recommended to use fans for cooling since they only create the feeling of coolness through airflow rather than actually reducing the temperature.