Survive a Heat Wave

A heat wave is an extended period of extreme heat, often accompanied by high humidity. Prolonged periods of high temperatures and high humidity can be very dangerous for your health. In extreme heat and humidity, evaporation is slowed and your body has to work very hard to maintain a normal temperature.[1] The risks vary depending on your age and health, but by knowing how to prepare for a heat wave and what to do when one occurs, you can avoid the biggest health dangers, such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Steps

Preparing Your Family for a Heat Wave

  1. Make an emergency kit. It’s a good idea to have some kind of basic emergency supplies kit prepared and accessible at home. You can keep one kit to cover most possible emergencies. You just need to get together a few household essentials and put them in a secure place in case you should need them. You should have enough supplies to last 72 hours. Make sure your kit includes the following:[2]
    • A gallon of water a day per person (more for nursing mothers, children, and sick people)[3]
    • Non-perishable, easy-to-prepare food, such as salt-free crackers, whole grain cereals, and canned goods -- include a can opener[4]
    • Any medications you need
    • Sanitary and personal hygiene items[5]
    • Infant formula and diapers[6]
    • Pet food[6]
    • A torch or flashlight
    • A first aid kit
    • A cell phone
    • Extra batteries[7]
    • Moist towelettes, toilet paper, and garbage bags for personal sanitation[6]
  2. Have a family communications plan. It’s sensible to think about how you will get in touch with your family if you are separated. One good way to ensure you can get in touch is to write out a contact card for each person with lists of phone numbers and addresses.
    • A contact card is a card where phone numbers are written down and stored somewhere other than your cell phone. A laminated sheet of paper or index card will keep ink from running if it gets wet.
    • If there is high traffic on a phone network, text messages (SMS) are more likely to get through than a call.
  3. Consider doing some basic first aid training. If you are in an area that experiences frequent periods of extreme heat, or if you just want to learn some useful skills, you can take a first aid class. Find one in your local area and sign up. Remember that some require payment. Many of the skills you will learn can prove helpful in a heat wave.[1]
  4. Look out for the most vulnerable. Extreme heat can cause health problems for anybody, but there are groups of people for whom it will be more dangerous than others. Young children, older or elderly adults, and sick or overweight people will be at the highest risk of suffering illness due to extreme heat and humidity. People who work outside and athletes may also be at increased risk of heat-related illnesses.[8]
    • If you have somebody in your family who matches any of these descriptions, prioritize helping them.
    • Make sure they understand the dangers of extreme heat.
    • Don't forget pets! If you have a dog or cat, it can be affected by the heat too.
  5. Keep track of the local weather forecasts. It’s pretty straightforward, but if you want to be prepared for a heat wave, you need to know if there’s one coming and what the predicted temperatures are.[1] Keep up to date with your local weather news, especially if you are in an area that where extreme heat is more common.
    • Sometimes, the power may go out. A hand-cranked or battery-powered radio will help you track the weather forecast.
  6. Be aware of environmental conditions that can increase the dangers. If you live in an area that is heavily asphalted or covered in concrete, the effects of a heat wave can be increased. Asphalt and concrete store heat longer and gradually release this heat during the night, producing higher night-time temperatures. This is known as the "urban heat island effect".[9]
    • Large cities can be 1.8-5.4F (1-3C) degrees hotter than their surroundings. At night, this difference can be up to 22F (12C) degrees.
    • Stagnant atmospheric conditions and poor air quality (smog, pollution) also exacerbate a heat wave.

Preparing Your House for a Heat Wave

  1. Make sure your window air-conditioners are well-fitted. if you don't have central air-conditioning. Preparing your home for a heat wave involves a number of relatively small tasks that can help you to keep cool air in and hot air out. If you have window air-conditioners, start by making sure they are installed well. If there are gaps around the sides, insulate them.[8]
    • You can get insulating foam panels or spray foam from a home improvement store.[10]
    • You should also make sure the air-conditioning vents and ducts are well insulated.
    • It’s a good idea to repair or replace a faulty air-conditioner before you need to.[11]
  2. Prepare temporary window reflectors. One relatively quick thing you can do to help keep your house as cool as possible is to make some reflectors to fit your window panes. Use a reflective material such as tin foil or aluminium foil and wrap it around some cardboard. The foil will reflect the sun rather than absorb it.[1]
    • Put the reflectors between the glass and the window coverings.
    • You might want to do this just for one or two rooms where you will spend a lot of time.
  3. Cover windows that receive morning and afternoon sun. Even with the reflectors, it is a good idea to cover the windows which receive a lot of sun with drapes, shades, awnings, or louvers. Closing the drapes on the inside will make a difference, but outdoor awnings and louvers can reduce the heat that enters a home by up to 80 percent.[1]
    • You can also find heat and light blocking drapes from many department and home improvement stores. These can help keep the room cool.
  4. Keep your storm windows up. You can consider keeping your storm windows up all year round. During a heat wave they will help to keep the heat out of your house, just as they help to keep the heat in, and cold out during the winter.[12] They are another layer of insulation between you and the heat outside.
    • Keeping your home as well insulated as possible will help you to stay cool.

Staying Cool and Hydrated During a Heat Wave

  1. Stay Stay Hydrated During the Summer. A lot of the health problems that can develop during a heat wave are associated with dehydration, so it’s crucial to make sure you drink plenty of water or a sports drink with electrolytes. Even if you don't feel thirsty, keep taking regular sips. Avoid drinks with a lot of caffeine such as coffee and tea, and severely limit your intake of alcohol.[13]
    • When it is very hot outside, it's recommended that you drink about 4 cups of water per hour.[14] Don't gulp this all at once, though, or you may experience some discomfort.
    • There are some instances when you should consult a doctor before increasing the amount of liquids you drink:
      • If you have epilepsy, or heart, liver, or kidney disease.
      • If you are on a fluid-restricted diet or have a problem with fluid retention.[1]
  2. Eat appropriately. It’s important to make sure you keep eating, but you should adapt your eating habits to the temperature. Eating is an effective method to control your body temperature. Eat well-balanced and light meals regularly, rather than two or three enormous plates of food.[8] Large meals take more work to digest which will cause your body temperature to increase.
    • Foods that are rich in protein, such as meats and nuts, will increase metabolic heat.[12]
    • Fresh fruit, salads, healthy snacks, and vegetables are good choices.
    • If you're sweating a lot, replace lost salts and minerals as well as water. A handful of salted nuts or pretzels can be a good choice, or drink a sports beverage containing electrolytes or fruit juice.
    • Don’t take salt tablets unless directed to by your doctor.[1]
  3. Stay indoors and Stay Cool Using the 'Ice to Wrist' Method. Keeping out of the sun is the best way to reduce your exposure to the heat. You should identify the coolest room in your house and try to spend as much time there as you can.[13] If your house has more than one story, or you live in a multi-story building, stay on the lowest floor out of the sunshine.[1]
    • Taking cool showers and splashing yourself with cool water is excellent way to lower your body temperature.[13]
  4. Use the air-conditioning. If your home is Buy a Window Air Conditioner you will really feel the benefit. If not, you might consider spending the warmest part of the day (or even night) in public buildings such as libraries, schools, movie theatres, shopping malls, and other community facilities. Many of these are specially opened by public authorities during a heat wave, so check for extended hours.
    • There are even local cooling centers open in some places to help people cool down. Contact your local power company or do an internet search to find one near you.
    • If you don’t have air-conditioning, even turning on a fan will help to circulate the air a little.
  5. Dress appropriately for the heat. Indoors and out, it is important to remove any heavy clothing and to wear as little as modesty and laws permit. Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, and lightly colored clothing.[15] Natural fabrics such as linen, cotton, and hemp are good choices. Avoid wearing polyester and flannel, as these fabrics will hold in sweat, causing you to stew in the humid air.
    • If you go outside be sure to use at least a 30 SPF sunscreen to avoid sunburn. Protect your head and face with a ventilated, wide-brimmed hat. Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes.[15]
    • Consider wearing clothing made of synthetic sports fabrics that are designed to wick away perspiration.
    • Avoid dark colors, as these absorb the heat.[15]
    • Wear long-sleeved, lightweight clothing when you will be outside to protect yourself from the sun.[15]
  6. Don’t overly exert yourself. Avoid strenuous work or exercise as much as possible. This is especially important during the warmest part of the day, typically 11am to 3pm.[13] If you do have to work outside, use a buddy system so you are not alone. Take frequent breaks and stay hydrated.[1] Pay close attention to how you feel.
    • If your heart is pounding and you're short of breath, stop immediately. Go into a cool environment to rest and drink plenty of fluids.
    • Do not push yourself if you feel like you're becoming overheated. If the heat index is greater than 103F (39.5C), ask about rescheduling nonessential activities for a time when it is not so hot.[14]

Looking Out for Others During a Heatwave

  1. Check on neighbours, family, and friends. It’s important to look after others as well as yourself, especially if there are people around you who could be particularly vulnerable to heat-related problems, or may be less able to look after themselves.[13] If you know that a neighbour lives alone and is at risk of health problems from heat (especially where they do not have air conditioning), try to contact family members to come and help.
    • If that is not possible, your local emergency services might be able to help.
    • You can ease the burden just by helping someone stay cool and hydrated.
    • Helping someone reach an air-conditioned place will be beneficial.
  2. Do not leave children or pets in parked cars. Don’t even do this for a brief periods of time. The temperature inside the vehicle can rise to 120ºF (49ºC) or more within minutes, which is hot enough to kill someone very quickly.[12] Keep an eye on pets as well as family members. Make sure they have enough water and shade.
    • If you have accidentally locked your child or pet in the car, contact emergency services immediately.
  3. Look out for symptoms of heat-induced illness. Keep a close eye on all members of your family and others close to you. Be vigilant and explain to them the importance of taking steps to minimize the effects of heat during a heat wave. One indicator of illness is heat cramps, which are painful spasms in the muscles of the arms, legs, and abdomen. This is most common in people who are dehydrated, sweat a lot, or are not acclimatized to the heat. People who are exercising in heat may also experience heat cramps.[16]
    • Risk factors for heat-related illnesses include strenuous exercise (such as that done by outdoor athletes), lack of acclimatization, poor physical fitness, obesity, and dehydration.
  4. Recognize the symptoms of heat exhaustion. Heat exhaustion is a serious condition and should be treated as soon as possible. There are a number of symptoms to look out for:[17][18]
    • Cool, clammy skin with "goose bumps"
    • Heavy sweating
    • Fatigue
    • Light-headedness or dizziness
    • Problems with physical coordination
    • Muscle cramps
    • Headache
    • Nausea
  5. Take steps to treat heat exhaustion. Take the person to a cool, shaded place, preferably indoors in air-conditioning. Give the person cool water or a sports drink to drink. Remove excess clothing.[18] If possible, have the person take a cool shower or apply cool towels to the skin to help cool off.[19]
    • The person should start to feel better in about half an hour and experience no long-term effects.
    • Without this treatment the person could develop heatstroke, which is much more serious.[17]
    • If the person shows no signs of improvement after 30 minutes, contact the doctor or emergency services, as the heat exhaustion may be progressing to heatstroke.[19]
  6. Identify and respond to heatstroke. Heatstroke occurs when body temperature becomes dangerously high and, no longer able to cool itself, the body begins to overheat. It is a much more serious condition than heat exhaustion, so it’s important to know the signs and know what to do. Call emergency services if you see the following signs, or if a person has been suffering from heat exhaustion for more than 30 minutes:[19]
    • High fever (104F/40C)
    • Severe headache
    • Light-headedness or dizziness
    • Disorientation or confusion
    • Irrational behavior
    • Irritability or emotional instability
    • Nausea or vomiting
    • Muscle weakness and cramps
    • Flushed or red skin
    • Lack of sweating, dry skin
    • Rapid heartbeat
    • Rapid, shallow breathing
    • Seizures
  7. Take action while you wait for medical assistance. If a person near you has symptoms of heatstroke, the first thing you should do is call emergency services. While you wait for the ambulance, you can take the following steps:[19]
    • Move the person to a cool, shaded area
    • Remove unnecessary clothing
    • Increasing ventilation by using a fan or opening windows
    • Giving the person water to drink, but not medication
    • Shower or immerse their body with cool, but not cold, water that is 59-64°F (15-18°C)
    • Cover the body with cool, damp sheets or towels[17]
    • Apply ice packs to the groin, armpits, neck, and back
  8. Prevent heat illness in pets. If you have a cat or dog, it can also be prone to heat exhaustion or even heat stroke. Watch your pet to make sure that it isn't overheating.[20]
    • If you notice that your dog is panting excessively, give it fresh water right away and move it to a cool, shady place.
    • Drooling is another warning sign of overheating.
    • Feel your pet's body. If it is breathing more rapidly than usual, or if the heart rate is faster than usual, take your pet indoors right away.
    • Animals with flat faces, such as pugs and Persian cats, have more trouble breathing and may be more susceptible to overheating.
    • Paw pads can burn in extreme heat. Use booties or apply a product to your pet's feet to keep them from getting burned on asphalt. If you must walk your pet, try to keep it in grassy areas rather than on roads or sidewalks, which are very hot.
    • Always keep a supply of fresh water outdoors for your pet, and provide plenty of water indoors as well.



Tips

  • Don't undertake difficult, hot travel or movement during the daytime. If you must travel, the best time is by night, when it is much cooler.
  • Keeping a hand fan with you, especially if you go outside, is a good idea. It can be a lifesaver in a hot bus!
  • Try freezing a bottle of water overnight. The water will freeze into ice and melt throughout the day, so the water will stay cold all day.
  • Look at your urine to tell if you're dehydrated. Normal urine should be clear coloured, or light yellow. If the colour is any darker, you may be dehydrated. If so, you need to drink more water.
  • Make sure that you have plenty of water to drink.
  • During a heat wave, drink {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}} of water every 2 hours.
  • Always pay close attention to those who are at higher risk for heat-related illnesses.

Warnings

  • Heat waves have been known to start wild-fires and bush-fires across drought-infested areas. Be careful when travelling or living in these areas.
  • Listen to the news, especially news about the heat wave, for any laws passed to combat a drought.
  • Heat waves and "heat storms" (a prolonged and severe heat wave) are to be taken seriously. Use common sense.
  • If there is a drought going on in your area, observe all relevant laws and guidelines, such as not watering the grass or filling up swimming pools.
  • Where you are legally obliged to reduce water usage, you may end up paying severe fines or even prison time if you fail to cooperate.

Related Articles

Sources and Citations

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 http://www.ready.gov/heat
  2. ↑ http://www.ready.gov/build-a-kit
  3. ↑ http://www.ready.gov/water
  4. ↑ http://www.ready.gov/food
  5. ↑ http://www.redcross.org/prepare/location/home-family/get-kit
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 http://www.fema.gov/media-library-data/1390846764394-dc08e309debe561d866b05ac84daf1ee/checklist_2014.pdf
  7. ↑ http://emergency.cdc.gov/preparedness/kit/disasters/
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 http://www.fema.gov/news-release/2010/06/17/are-you-ready-summer-heat
  9. ↑ http://www.epa.gov/heatisld/
  10. ↑ http://www.lowes.com/projects/build-and-remodel/install-a-window-air-conditioner/project
  11. ↑ http://www.epa.gov/naturaldisasters/extremeheat.html
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 http://www.disastercenter.com/guide/heat.html
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 13.2 13.3 13.4 http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/Summerhealth/Pages/Heatwave.aspx
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/heatillness/heat_index/pdfs/all_in_one.pdf
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 15.2 15.3 https://www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/7be96f804929514f858ff57675638bd8/Heat-Clothing-to-wear-fs-PH-EMU-20111122.pdf?MOD=AJPERES&CACHEID=7be96f804929514f858ff57675638bd8
  16. ↑ https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/heatillness.html
  17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 17.2 http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/heat-exhaustion-and-heatstroke/pages/introduction.aspx
  18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heat-exhaustion/basics/symptoms/con-20033366
  19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 19.2 19.3 http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/prevention-wellness/staying-healthy/first-aid/heat-exhaustion-an-heatstroke.html
  20. ↑ https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/hot-weather-tips
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