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| Up to 200 people die each year in the US alone
from heat and sun exposure. |
| Heat can kill by pushing the human body beyond its limits. Under
normal conditions, the body's internal thermostat produces perspiration
that evaporates and cools the body. However, in excessive heat and
high humidity, evaporation is slowed and the body must work extra
hard to maintain a normal temperature. |
| The effects of heat can quickly overcome the
healthiest people, especially if they perform strenuous work during
the warmest parts of the day. Symptoms of dehydration and heat illness
may not be easily recognized. |
| Elderly people, the disabled, young children,
those who are sick, live alone or are overweight are more likely
to become victims of excessive heat. |
| The best ways to be protected from the ill effects of excessive heat
are to |
- Dress appropriately (lightweight, light-colored clothing, that
covers as much of your skin as possible as well as a well-ventilated
hat with a wide brim)
- Stay indoors, in the shade or in cool places as much as possible,
(if your home does not have air conditioning, choose a cool place
to visit or stay during the hottest part of the day. Schools, libraries,
theaters, other community facilities, and shopping malls can often
provide an air-conditioned refuge,
- Refrain from strenuous work or exercise during the hottest part
of the day, and
- Stay hydrated - drink even before you feel thirsty. The human
body needs water to keep cool, which is the safest liquid during
excessive heat. Drinks with alcohol or caffeine should be avoided,
since they worsen the heat's effects on a body.
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| Never leave children or pets alone in a vehicle
for even a brief moment. Temperatures inside a closed vehicle can
reach more than 140°F within minutes. Exposure to such high temperatures
can quickly kill a person or pet. Even on days that feel pleasantly
warm outside, temperatures in a parked vehicle can raise high enough
to kill. Leaving a window open will not necessarily abate the danger. |
| Those under medical care or taking medication
should speak with their physician about their particular vulnerability. |
| In the City of Riverside, Dale
Senior Center has been designated as a cool center. Current hours are 9:00 a.m.
to 3:00 p.m. |
| Implement a “buddy system”, that
ensures regular checks on elderly, disabled or at-risk populations. |
| Pets, horses, and livestock are also susceptible
to difficulties from hot weather. Animals do not perspire and rely
on panting, wetting down, shade, cool earth, and drinking water for
cooling. Animals cannot explain their needs, so it is up to people
to ensures that their needs are met, especially during periods of
extreme or prolonged heat. |
| Heat Index and Health Effects |
| High humidity in combination with abnormally
high temperatures reduces the body’s ability to cool itself.
The heat index is a measure of the contribution humidity makes. As
the heat index rises, so do health risks. When the heat index is
90°-105°F, heat exhaustion is possible. When it is above
105°F, it is probable. Heatstroke is possible when the heat index
is above 105°F, and very likely when it is 130°F and above.
Physical activity and prolonged exposure to the heat increase the
risks. |
| Heat exhaustion occurs when the body is dehydrated.
Symptoms: headache, nausea, dizziness, cool and clammy skin, pale
face, cramps, weakness, profuse perspiration. First aid: |
- Move to a cooler spot,
- Drink water - Heat exhaustion can lead to collapse and
heatstroke.
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| Heatstroke
occurs when perspiration cannot
occur and the body overheats. Symptoms: headache, nausea, face flushed,
hot and dry skin, no perspiration, body temperature over 101°F,
chills, rapid pulse. First aid: |
- Cool person immediately (i.e., move to shade or indoors, wrap
in a cool, wet sheet),
- Immediately call 911 or get medical assistance
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| Heatstroke can lead to confusion, coma, and
death. |
| For Further Information Call: |
| City of Riverside Office of Emergency Management |
| 951-826-5550 |
| Anthony E. Coletta, Jr., Emergency Operations Manager |
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