Summer time is in full swing in Wisconsin. Temperatures have been mostly mild through the month of June with one short hot spell. Heading into this holiday weekend the predicted temperatures are to be in the 90’s with higher humidity making it feel even warmer.
Now is the perfect time to brush up on the terms and dangers associated with high temperatures.
Know the Terms
Heat Wave
Prolonged period of excessive heat, often combined with excessive humidity.
Heat Index
A number in degrees Fahrenheit (F) that tells 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.
Heat Cramps
Muscular pains and spasm due to heavy exertion. Although heat cramps are the least severe, they are often the first signal the body is having trouble with the heat.
Heat Exhaustion
Typically occurs when people exercise heavily or working 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
A life-threatening condition. The victim’s temperature control system, which produces sweating to cool the body, stops working. Body temperature can rise so high that brain damage and death may result if the body is not cooled quickly.
Sun Stroke
Another term for heat stroke.
Heat Facts
Summer heat waves are the biggest weather-related killers in Wisconsin for the past 50 years, far exceeding tornado and other storm-related deaths. In 1995, two major killer heat waves affected most of Wisconsin resulting in 154 heat-related deaths and over 300 heat-related illnesses.
Citizens of the State of Wisconsin can be seriously affected by sever heat and it is essential that we increase the awareness of the dangers of heat waves and the protective actions which can be taken by citizens.
National Weather Service Heat-Wave Program in Wisconsin
Outlook Statement
Issued 2 to 7 days in advance of when Heat Advisory or Excessive Heat Warning conditions are anticipated. Issued as a Hazarous Weather Statement (HWO). Broadcasted on NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards and posted on NWS websites (www.weather.gov).
Heat Advisory
Issued 6 to 24 hours in advance of any 24-hour period in which daytime heat index (HI) values are expected to be 105-110 for 3 hour or more and night-time HI values will be 75 or higher. For west-central and northwest Wisconsin, numbers are 105-114 and 80, respectively.
Excessive Heat Watch
Issued generally 12-48 hours in advance of any 24-hour period in which daytime HI values are expected to exceed 110 for 3 hours or more and night-time HI values will be 80 or higher. For west-central and northwest Wisconsin, numbers are 115 or higher and 80 or higher, respectively.
Excessive Heat Warning
Issued 6 to 24 hours in advance of nay 24-hour period in which daytime HI values are expected to exceed 110 for 3 hours or more and night-time HI values will be 80 or higher. For west-central and northwest Wisconsin, numbers are 115 or higher and 80 or higher, respectively.
During a Heat Emergency
1. Never leave children, disabled persons, or pets in a parked car – even briefly. Temperatures in a car can become life threatening within minutes. On an 80-degree day, the temperature inside a car even with the windows cracked slightly can reach 100 degrees in less than 10 minutes!
2. Keep your living space cool. Cover windows to keep the sun from shining in. If you don’t have an air conditioner, open windows to let air circulate. When it’s hotter than 95 degrees, use fans to blow hot air out of the window rather than to blow hot air on your body. Basements or ground floors are often cooler than upper floors.
3. Slow down and limit physical activity. Plan outings or exertion for the early morning or after dark when temperatures are cooler.
4. Drink plenty of water and eat lightly. Don’t wait for thirst, but instead drink plenty of water throughout the day. Avoid alcohol or caffeine and stay away from hot, heavy meals.
5. Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing. Add a hat or umbrella to keep your head cool…and don’t forget sunscreen!
6. Don’t stop taking medication unless your doctor says you should. Take extra care to stay cool and ask your doctor or pharmacist for any special heat advice.
7. Infants should drink breast milk or formula to get the right balance of water, salts and energy. You may supplement your infant’s fluids with an additional 4 to 8 ounces of water per day, but don’t dilute formula beyond what the instructions say (unless instructed by your doctor).
8. Taking a cool shower or bath will cool you down. A shower or bath will actually work faster than an air conditioner. Applying cold wet rags to the neck, head and limbs also cools down the body quickly.
People at higher risk of a heat related illness include:
· Older adults
· Infants and young children
· People with chronic heart or lung problems
· People with disabilities
· Overweight persons
· Those who work outdoors or in hot settings
· Users of some medications, especially those taken for mental disorders, movement disorder, allergies, depression, and heart or circulatory problems
· People who are isolated that don’t know when or how to cool off-or when to call for help
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