Heat Advisory: What You Need to Know

A heat advisory has been issued! That means temperatures are soaring, and the combination of heat and humidity is creating dangerous conditions. Staying safe during a heat advisory requires understanding the risks and taking proactive steps to protect yourself, your family, and your community.

Understanding the Risks

Heat advisories are typically issued when the heat index, which factors in both temperature and humidity, is expected to reach a certain level for a sustained period. This high heat index makes it harder for your body to cool itself. Under normal circumstances, your body cools through sweating. However, when the air is too humid, sweat doesn’t evaporate as quickly, hindering the cooling process. This can lead to:

• Heat Exhaustion: Symptoms include heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, and muscle cramps. While not immediately life-threatening, heat exhaustion can quickly escalate to heatstroke if left untreated.
• Heatstroke: This is a medical emergency! Symptoms include a high body temperature (103°F or higher), hot, red, dry or damp skin, rapid and strong pulse, headache, dizziness, confusion, and loss of consciousness. Immediate medical attention is crucial; heatstroke can cause permanent damage to the brain and other vital organs, and can even be fatal.

Who is Most Vulnerable?

While everyone is susceptible to heat-related illnesses, some groups are more vulnerable:

• Infants and young children: Their bodies are less efficient at regulating temperature.
• Older adults: They may have underlying health conditions or be taking medications that interfere with their body’s ability to regulate heat. They may also be less aware of their thirst or need to cool down.
• People with chronic illnesses: Conditions such as heart disease, respiratory problems, and diabetes can increase the risk of heat-related illnesses.
• People who work outdoors: Construction workers, landscapers, and athletes are at higher risk due to prolonged exposure to the sun and heat.
• People who are overweight or obese: They may have difficulty regulating their body temperature.
• People taking certain medications: Some medications can interfere with the body’s ability to regulate temperature or increase the risk of dehydration.

Staying Safe During a Heat Advisory

Here’s what you can do to stay safe:

• Stay indoors in air conditioning: The best way to beat the heat is to stay in an air-conditioned environment. If you don’t have air conditioning at home, consider visiting a shopping mall, library, or cooling center.
• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Avoid sugary drinks and alcohol, as they can dehydrate you. Water and sports drinks are good choices.
• Limit outdoor activities: If you must be outdoors, schedule activities for the cooler parts of the day (early morning or late evening). Take frequent breaks in the shade or in air conditioning.
• Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing: Dark colors absorb more heat.
• Take cool showers or baths: This can help lower your body temperature.
• Never leave children or pets in a parked car: Temperatures inside a parked car can rise rapidly, even on a mild day. This can be fatal.
• Check on vulnerable individuals: Make sure your elderly neighbors, friends, and family members are staying cool and hydrated.
• Know the signs of heat-related illness: If you or someone you know experiences symptoms of heat exhaustion or heatstroke, seek medical attention immediately.

Staying Informed

Pay attention to local news and weather forecasts for updates on the heat advisory and any safety precautions. By taking these steps, you can protect yourself and others from the dangers of extreme heat.