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STRESS- Points To Ponder
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Heat Waves
Heat Waves: A heat wave is a prolonged period
of excessive heat, generally 10 degrees or more above average, often combined
with excessive humidity.
A. Preparing for a Heat Wave: Take following precautions
- Listen to local weather
forecasts and stay aware of upcoming temperature changes.
- Be aware of both the
temperature and the heat index. The heat index is the temperature the body
feels when the effects of heat and humidity are combined. Exposure to
direct sunlight can increase the heat index by as much as 15° F.
- Discuss
heat safety precautions with members of your household. Have a plan for
wherever you spend time— home, work and school—and prepare for the
possibility of power outages.
- Check
the contents of your emergency disaster kit (bug out bag) in case a power outage
occurs.
- 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.
- If you do not have air
conditioning, choose places you could go to for relief from the heat
during the warmest part of the day (schools, libraries, theaters, malls).
- 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.
- Ensure that your animals’ needs
for water and shade are met.
B.
Responding
Appropriately During a Heat Wave
- Listen to/read weather news for
critical updates.
- Never leave children or pets
alone in enclosed vehicles.
- Stay hydrated by drinking
plenty of fluids even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid drinks with
caffeine or alcohol.
- Eat small meals and eat more
often.
- Avoid extreme temperature
changes.
- Wear loose-fitting,
lightweight, light-colored clothing. Avoid dark colors because they absorb
the sun’s rays.
- Slow down, stay indoors and
avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day.
- Postpone outdoor games and
activities.
- Use a buddy system when working
in excessive heat.
- Take frequent breaks if you
must work outdoors.
- Check on family, friends and
neighbors who do not have air conditioning, who spend much of their time
alone or who are more likely to be affected by the heat.
- Check on your animals
frequently to ensure that they are not suffering from the heat.
C.
Caregiving –
How to Treat Heat-Related Illnesses
During heat waves people are
susceptible to three heat-related
conditions. Here’s how to recognize and respond to them.
1.
Heat cramps are muscular pains and spasms that usually occur in
the legs or abdomen. Heat cramps are often an early sign that the body is
having trouble with the heat.
·
Get
the person to a cooler place and have him or her rest in a comfortable
position. Lightly stretch the affected muscle and gently massage the area.
·
Give
an electrolyte-containing fluid, such as a commercial sports drink, fruit juice
or milk. Water may also be given. Do not give the person salt tablets.
2.
Heat exhaustion is a more severe condition than heat cramps. Heat
exhaustion often affects athletes, firefighters, construction workers and
factory workers. It also affects those wearing heavy clothing in a hot, humid
environment.
·
Signs
of heat exhaustion include cool, moist, pale, ashen or flushed skin; headache;
nausea; dizziness; weakness; and exhaustion.
·
Move
the person to a cooler environment with circulating air. Remove or loosen as
much clothing as possible and apply cool, wet clothes or towels to the skin.
Fanning or spraying the person with water also can help. If the person is
conscious, give small amounts of a cool fluid such as a commercial sports drink
or fruit juice to restore fluids and electrolytes. Milk or water may also be
given. Give about 4 ounces of fluid every 15 minutes.
· If the person’s condition does not
improve or if he or she refuses water, has a change in consciousness, or
vomits, rush to nearby hospital.
3.
Heat stroke is a condition that usually occurs by ignoring the
signals of heat exhaustion. Heat stroke develops when the body systems are
overwhelmed by heat and begin to stop functioning.
·
Signs
of heat stroke include extremely high body temperature, red skin which may be
dry or moist; changes in consciousness; rapid, weak pulse; rapid, shallow
breathing; confusion; vomiting; and seizures.
·
Preferred
method: Rapidly cool the body or douse or spray the person with cold water.
·
Sponge
the person with ice water-doused towels over the entire body, frequently
rotating the cold, wet towels.
·
If
you are not able to measure and monitor the person’s temperature, apply rapid
cooling methods for 20 minutes or until the person’s condition improves
Pl
note : Above information is taken from Safety
tips published by Red Cross on www.redcross.org.
The same is being shared in public interest only. These are indicative
measures. Doctor’s advise must be taken on priority.
