Before
the Heat Wave
Know the terms used by the National Weather Service
during these periods:
Heat Watch -- Excessive heat is possible in the next day or two.
Heat Advisory -- High and potentially dangerous values of heat
index are occurring, imminent, or highly likely. Prolonged exposure
to heat and/or strenuous activity may result in heat-related illness.
In Illinois, heat advisories are issued for a daytime maximum heat
index of 105 and nighttime minimum of 80.
Heat Warning -- Life threatening heat is occurring, imminent or
highly likely. Take precautions! In Illinois a heat warning is issued
for a daytime maximum heat index of 115 with a minimum of 80. In the
city of Chicago a heat warning is issued for any of the following;
3 days of heat index 100-105 with a minimum heat index of 75, 2 days
of maximum heat index of 105-110 or any day with maximum heat index
of 115.
In addition to knowing the terms, keep the following
in mind:
-Check
NOAA Weather Radio for the latest forecast when planning outdoor
activity.
-Have a place to cool off. If you don't have air conditioning, find
out if your community has cooling centers.
-Some cities open schools, park buildings or other air conditioned
public buildings as cooling shelters. Plan to spend some
time at a library or shopping mall, or with a family member or neighbor.
-Check on elderly or ill neighbors and family members.
-Learn the symptoms of potential heat disorders and the proper first
aid for each.
Common Sense is the Best Defense:
-Spend
some time in air conditioning, if possible. Even just two hours
a day in air conditioning can significantly reduce the
risk of heat-related illness. If air conditioning is not available,
stay on the lowest floor, out of the sunshine.
Try to go to a public building with air conditioning each
day for several hours. Remember, electric fans do not cool
the air, but they do help sweat evaporate, which cools
your body.
-Drink plenty of water and natural juices, even if you don't feel
thirsty.
-Slow down. Avoid strenuous activity. If you must do strenuous activity,
do it during the
coolest part of the day, which is usually in the morning
between 4:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m.
-Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing. Light
colors will reflect away some of
the sun's energy.
-Avoid going out in the blazing heat, if you can.
-If you must be out in the sun, use sunscreen and wear a wide-brimmed
hat.
-Keep shades drawn and blinds closed, but windows open slightly.
-Keep lights down low or turned off.
-Take cool baths or showers periodically, use cool wet towels.
-Eat small meals and eat more often. Avoid foods that are high in
protein, which increase metabolic heat.
-Avoid using the oven.
-Avoid alcoholic beverages and beverages with caffeine such as coffee,
tea and cola. They can make you feel good briefly, but make the
heat's effects on your body worse. This is especially true
about beer, which dehydrates the body.
-Avoid using salt tablets unless directed to do so by a physician.
-Do not leave children or pets in a closed vehicle . . . even for
a few minutes. Temperatures inside a closed vehicle can reach
140 to 190 within 30 minutes on a hot day.
-Schools should restrict strenuous outdoor athletic activity when
a heat advisory is in effect. All physical education and athletic
activity should be canceled when a heat warning is in effect.
-Stay informed about the heat wave by listening to NOAA Weather
Radio, or commercial radio and television for the latest heat
warnings and advisories.
This information obtained from
NOAA and The
American Red Cross
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