{"id":6548,"date":"2015-03-31T16:18:06","date_gmt":"2015-03-31T16:18:06","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.uwb.edu\/?p=6548"},"modified":"2023-05-30T16:34:55","modified_gmt":"2023-05-30T16:34:55","slug":"extreme-heat","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.uwb.edu\/safety\/are-you-ready\/extreme-heat","title":{"rendered":"Extreme Heat"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Hazards: Extreme Heat<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\n\tTemperatures that hover 10 degrees or more above the average high temperature for the region and last for several weeks are defined as extreme heat. Humid or muggy conditions, which add to the discomfort of high temperatures, occur when a \u201cdome\u201d of high atmospheric pressure traps hazy, damp air near the ground. Excessively dry and hot conditions can provoke dust storms and low visibility. Droughts occur when a long period passes without substantial rainfall. A heat wave combined with a drought is a very dangerous situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\tBefore<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\tPrevention<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\t\u00b7 Drink more fluids (nonalcoholic), regardless of your activity level. Don\u2019t wait until you\u2019re thirsty to drink. Warning: If your doctor generally limits the amount of fluid you drink or has you on water pills, ask him how much you should drink while the weather is hot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\t\u00b7 Don\u2019t drink liquids that contain caffeine, alcohol, or large amounts of sugar-these actually cause you to lose more body fluid. Also, avoid very cold drinks, because they can cause stomach cramps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\t\u00b7 Stay indoors and, if at all possible, stay in an air-conditioned place. Electric fans may provide comfort, but when the temperature is in the high 90s, fans will not prevent heat-related illness. Taking a cool shower or bath, or moving to an air-conditioned place is a much better way to cool off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\t\u00b7 Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\t\u00b7 NEVER leave anyone or pets in a closed, parked vehicle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\t\u00b7 Although any one at any time can suffer from heat-related illness, some people are at greater risk than others. Check regularly on:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\t\u00b7 Infants and young children<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\t\u00b7 People aged 65 or older<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\t\u00b7 People who have a mental illness<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\t\u00b7 Those who are physically ill, especially with heart disease or high blood pressure<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\tDuring<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\tIf you must be out in the heat<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\t\u00b7 Limit your outdoor activity to morning and evening hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\t\u00b7 Cut down on exercise. If you must exercise, drink two to four glasses of cool, nonalcoholic fluids each hour. A sports beverage can replace the salt and minerals you lose in sweat. Warning: If you are on a low-salt diet, talk with your doctor before drinking a sports beverage. Remember the warning in the first \u201ctip\u201d (above), too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\t\u00b7 Try to rest often in shady areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\t\u00b7 Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat (also keeps you cooler) and sunglasses and by putting on sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher (the most effective products say \u201cbroad spectrum\u201d or \u201cUVA\/UVB protection\u201d on their labels).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\tAdditional Information<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\t\u00b7 UW Workplace Heat Stress Requirements for Employees and Supervisors<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\t\u00b7 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\t\u00b7 Federal Emergency Management Agency<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\t\u00b7 National Weather Service<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\tKeeping Updated<\/p>\n\n\n\n