Too Hot to Handle Staying safe in the heat Prepared for Indiana Association of Family Campers and Rvers, 2013

Too Hot to Handle

Staying safe in the heat

Prepared for Indiana Association of Family Campers and Rvers, 2013

Indiana Family Campers and RVers 2013

Prolonged period of excessive heat, often combined with excessive humidity.

Generally you KNOW when it’s hot. Here are some terms that indicate that it is TOO hot!


Heat Index

How hot it feels when relative humidity is added to the air temperature.

Exposure to full sunshine can increase the heat index by 15 degrees.


Excessive Heat Watch Conditions are favorable for an excessive heat event in the next 24 to 72 hours.

Excessive Heat Warning Daytime highs=105-110° Fahrenheit

Heat Advisory Daytime highs=100-105° Fahrenheit

Listen to weather reports for times when extra precautions are needed.


Heat kills by pushing the human body

beyond its limits.

In extreme heat and high humidity • evaporation is slowed • the body must work extra hard to maintain a normal

temperature.

Most heat disorders occur because • the victim has been overexposed to heat • has over-exercised for his or her age and physical condition.

Those more likely to succumb to extreme heat• Older adults• Young children • Those who are sick • Those who are overweight


Urban areas pose a greater risk from the effects of a prolonged heat wave

Than do rural areas.

• Conditions that can induce heat-related illnesses include • stagnant atmospheric conditions • poor air quality

• “Urban Heat-Island Effect"• Asphalt and concrete store heat longer • Gradually release heat at night• Produces higher nighttime temperatures


• Know those in your neighborhood who are elderly, young, sick or overweight. They are more likely to become victims of excessive heat and may need help.

• Be aware that people living in urban areas may be at greater risk from the effects of a prolonged heat wave than are people living in rural areas.

• Get trained in first aid to learn how to treat heat-related emergencies.

Be a good neighbor


What you should do if the weather is extremely hot

Listen to NOAA Weather Radio for

critical updates from the National Weather

Service (NWS).

Never leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles.

Stay indoors as much as possible

and limit exposure to the sun.

Stay on the lowest floor out of the sunshine if air

conditioning is not available.

Postpone outdoor games and activities to a cooler time or location.


Consider spending the warmest part of the

day in public buildings such as libraries, schools, movie

theaters, shopping malls, and other

community facilities.

Go to a designated public shelter if your home loses power during periods of extreme heat.

Text SHELTER + your ZIP code to 43362 (4FEMA) to find the nearest shelter in your area (example: shelter

12345)



Eat well-balanced, light, and regular meals.

Drink plenty of fluids every day. Drink more

fluids before, during, and after physical activity.

Limit intake of alcoholic beverages.

Be especially careful if you are taking drugs that

impair heat regulation, if you are overweight or

elderly.


Avoid using salt tablets unless directed to do so by a physician.


Dress in loose-fitting, lightweight, and light-

colored clothes that cover as much skin as possible. Avoid dark colors because they absorb the sun’s rays.

Protect face and head by wearing a wide-brimmed

hat.

Avoid strenuous work during the warmest part of

the day. Use a buddy system when working in extreme heat, and take

frequent breaks.

Avoid extreme temperature changes.



Check on family, friends, and neighbors

who do not have air conditioning and who spend much of their

time alone.

Check on your animals frequently to ensure

that they are not suffering from the

heat.

Be careful of hot cars in the summer. Allow

the car to cool off before getting in.



Heat illnesses are easily preventable by taking precautions

in hot weather.


CausesHeat emergencies are caused by

prolonged exposure to extreme heat.

The following are common causes of heat emergencies:• Alcohol use

• Dehydration

• Heart disease

• High temperatures or humidity

• Medications such as beta blockers, diuretics, neuroleptics, phenothiazines, and anticholinergics

• Prolonged or excessive exercise

• Sweat gland problems

• Wearing too much clothing


Heat Cramps

• Muscular pains and spasms due to heavy exertion. • Although heat cramps are the least severe, they are often the first signal that the

body is having trouble with the heat.

Heat Exhaustion

• Typically occurs when people exercise heavily or work in a hot, humid place where body fluids are lost through heavy sweating.

• Blood flow to the skin increases, causing blood flow to decrease to the vital organs. • This results in a form of mild shock. If not treated, the victim's condition will worsen. • Body temperature will keep rising and the victim may suffer heat stroke.

Heat Stroke

• The victim's temperature control system, which produces sweating to cool the body, stops working.

• The body temperature can rise so high that brain damage and death may result if the body is not cooled quickly.

TYPES OF HEAT EMERGENCIES


RECLINEHave the person lie down in a cool place. Raise the person's feet about 12 inches.

COOLApply cool, wet cloths (or cool water directly) to the person's skinUse a fan to lower body temperature. Place cold compresses on the person's neck, groin, and armpits.

HYDRATEIf alert, give the person beverages to sip (such as Gatorade), or make a salted drink by adding a teaspoon of salt per quart of water. Give a half cup every 15 minutes. Cool water will do if salt beverages are not available.

TREATMENT OF HEAT ILLNESSGENERAL GUIDELINES


The early symptoms of

Heat Illnessinclude:

Profuse sweatingFatigueThirst

Muscle Cramps


Heat Cramps

• Muscular pain and spasms due to heavy exertion.

• They usually involve the abdominal muscles or legs.

• It is generally thought this condition is caused by loss of water and salt through sweating.

FIRST AID

• Get victim to a cool place.

• If they can tolerate it, give one-half glass of water every 15 minutes.

• Gentle massage of the affected muscles may give relief.

Heat cramps can usually be avoided by increasing fluid intake when active in hot weather.


Later symptoms of

Heat Exhaustion include:

Headache

Dizziness and light headedness

Weakness

Nausea and Vomiting

Cool, moist skin

Dark urine


Heat Exhaustion

• Heat exhaustion is less dangerous than heat stroke.

• It is caused by fluid loss which in turn causes blood flow to decrease in vital organs, resulting in a form of shock.

• If untreated, heat exhaustion can rapidly deteriorate into

heat shock.

Body temperature will be near normal.


FIRST AIDHeat Exhaustion

• Get the victim out of the heat and into a cool place.

• Place in the shock position, lying on the back with feet raised.

• Remove or loosen clothing.

• Cool by fanning or applying cold packs or wet towels or sheets.

• If conscious, give water to drink every 15 minutes.

IMPORTANT: WHILE HEAT EXHAUSTION IS NOT A LIFE- THREATENING EMERGENCY LIKE HEAT STROKE, IT CAN PROGRESS

TO HEAT STROKE IF LEFT UNTREATED


The symptoms of

Heatstroke include:

Fever (temperature above 104 °F)Irrational behaviorExtreme confusion

Dry, hot, and red skinRapid, shallow breathing

Rapid, weak pulseSeizures

Unconsciousness


Heat Stroke

LIFE-THREATENINGrequires IMMEDIATE and AGGRESSIVE treatment!

• The body's heat regulating mechanism fails.

• The body temperature rises so high that brain damage --and death-- may result unless the body is cooled quickly.


FIRST AIDHeat Stroke

is a life-threatening emergency

• requires prompt action!

Call 911

COOL THE VICTIM AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE IN ANY MANNER POSSIBLE!

• Place the victim into a bathtub of cool water• wrap in wet sheets• place in an air conditioned room.

Do not give victim anything by mouth. Treat for shock


Do NOT underestimate the seriousness of heat illness

Do NOT give the person medications that are used

to treat fever (such as aspirin or acetaminophen).

Do NOT give the person salt tablets.

Do NOT give the person liquids that contain alcohol

or caffeine.

Do NOT use alcohol rubs on the person's skin.

Do NOT give the person anything by mouth if the

person is vomiting or unconscious.

IMPORTANT CAVEATS


Call 911 if

• The person loses consciousness at any time.

• There is any other change in the person's alertness (for example, confusion or seizures).

• The person has a fever over 102 °F.

• Other symptoms of heatstroke are present (like rapid pulse or rapid breathing).

• The person's condition does not improve, or worsens despite treatment.


HYDRATION


Why is it so important to stay hydrated?

Your body depends on water

for survival.

Water makes up

more than half of your body

weight.

Every cell, tissue and organ in your body needs water to function correctly. Your

body uses water to

Maintain its

temper-ature

Transport nutrients to organs

and tissues

Transport oxygen to cells

Remove waste

Lubricate joints


Proper hydration is essential for

concentration and attention to detail

Even a small decline in dehydration

levels can result in a decrease of

mental and physical performance.


How does your body lose water?

You lose water each day when you

• go to the bathroom• sweat • even when you breathe.

You lose water even faster when the • weather is really hot• when you exercise• if you have a fever• If you have vomiting and diarrhea

If you don’t replace the water you lose, you can become dehydrated


An estimated 75 percent of Americans are chronically dehydrated.

Dehydration most often occurs when you do not drink enough water regularly enough.

On a day-to-day basis, most people won’t realize they are dehydrated until they start to feel the symptoms

By this time, the damage of dehydration has already set in.


Dehydration can result in • muscle fatigue

• Cramps

• Headaches

• Dizziness

• Nausea

• decreased performance level

• rapid heart rate


Symptoms of dehydration include:

Dry mouth

Sleepiness or fatigue

Extreme thirst

Headache

Dry cough

Confusion

Feeling dizzy or lightheaded

Flushed skin

Heat intolerance

No tears when crying


Actively prevent dehydration by drinking plenty of water.

The best way to beat dehydration is to drink before you get thirsty.

If you wait until after you're thirsty, you're already dehydrated.


High levels of exercise

Certain medical conditions

(Diabetes, HBP)Sick

Unable to get enough fluids

during the course of the

day (work situations)

Older folks• As you age, your

brain may be unable to sense dehydration and send the signals for thirst.

Higher risk of dehydration


If your urine is consistently colorless or light yellow,

you are most likely staying well hydrated.


Increase your fluids if you

• Have certain medical conditions, such as kidney stones or bladder infection

• Are pregnant or breastfeeding

• Are going to be outside during hot weather

• Are going to be exercising

• Have a fever, or have been vomiting or have diarrhea

• Are trying to lose weight


Water

the best option for staying

hydrated.

Other fluids fruit /

vegetable juices

milk herbal teas

Caffeinated drinks

Increases urination, anxiety,

jitteriness

A moderate amount of caffeine, 200 to 300 milligrams (about the amount in 2 to 4 8-ounce cups of coffee), is not harmful for

most people.

Fruits and vegetables

Watermelon Tomatoes lettuce

Soup broths

WHAT FLUIDS HYDRATE?


What about sports drinks?CONTAIN

carbohydrates prevent low blood sugar if you are planning on exercising at a high intensity for longer than an hour

Electrolytes especially helpful when there is • fever• vomiting • diarrhea

Choose sports drinks wisely• often high in calories from sugar • may contain high levels of sodium • One bottle may contain several servings • Some sports drinks contain caffeine.


Sports drinks are not the same as energy drinks

• Large amounts of caffeine and other stimulants (for example, guarana or taurine)

• High in sugar. Many experts recommend that kids and teens should not have energy drinks.


What Drinks Cause Dehydration?

Coffee • Drinking between two and four cups of coffee each day is considered

healthy. • Equates to approximately 500mg of caffeine• Drinking more than this limit for a prolonged period of time can

lead to dehydration.

Soft Drinks Many soft drinks contain caffeine.

• The amount of caffeine per serving can vary. • It is generally lower than a serving of brewed coffee• Excessive consumption of soft drinks can contribute to dehydration,

especially in children


What Drinks Cause Dehydration?

AlcoholExcessive alcohol consumption can cause dehydration

• Alcohol is a diuretic• Excessive alcohol creates an electrolyte imbalance• Excessive alcohol prevents the body from being able to

absorb water in support of hydration

Barring pregnancy or other diagnosed medical conditions that restrict alcohol,

moderate alcohol intake may be considered healthy

• an adult man up to two drinks per day • a woman drinking one drink per day


Keep a bottle of water with you during the day.

Drink water before, during and after exercising.

Start and end your day with a glass of water.

Drink water when you’re feeling hungry

• Thirst is often confused with hunger

Drink on a schedule • When you wake up; at breakfast,

lunch and dinner; and when you go to bed.

• Drink a small glass of water at the top of each hour.

Drink water when you go to a restaurant.

• Keep you hydrated• It’s free

Tips for staying hydrated

Documents

Too Hot to Handle Staying safe in the heat Prepared for Indiana Association of Family Campers and Rvers, 2013