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Heat Awareness Information |
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Written by Missouri State Emergency Management Agency
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Saturday, August 04 2007 16:53 |
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In 2006, 25 Missourians died from heat related illnesses according to information gathered from the National Weather Service and the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (MDHSS). The Health Department reports 337 Missourians died from heat and seven Missourians died from lightening between 1995-2005. Annually, the United States Averages 350 heat related deaths.
Symptoms and Treatment for Heat Related Illnesses
Heat Disorder
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Symptoms |
First Aid |
Heat Cramps
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Painful spasms usually in muscles
of legs and abdomen due to heavy
exertion. Heavy sweating.
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Stop activity and rest in a cool
place. Lightly stretch or gently
massage muscle to relieve spams.
Give sips of cool water.
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Heat Exhaustion
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Heavy sweating. Skin cool, pale,
and clammy. Pulse fast and weak.
Breathing fast and shallow.
Fainting, dissiness, vomiting, and nausea.
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Get victim to a cool place.
Have him/her lie down and loosen
clothing. Apply cool, moist cloths.
Give sips of cool water.
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Heat stroke (sun stroke)
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Temperature 103 or higher.
No sweating, rapid pulse, fast and
shallow breathing. Hot, red, dry
skin. Nausea, dissiness, headache,
confusion. |
HEAT STROKE IS A SEVERE
MEDICAL EMERGENCY.
SUMMON EMERGENCY
ASSITANCE OR GET THE
VICTIM TO THE HOSPITAL.
DELAY CAN BE FATAL. Move
the victim to a cooler environment.
Use cool baths or sponging to
reduce body temperature.
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Table 1: A list of common heat-induced health problems and their suggested treatment (Reference: The American Red Cross)
Preventing Heat-Related Illness
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Seek Air Conditioning! The most efficient way to beat the heat is to spend time in an air-conditioned area such as your home, a mall, or public library.
- Electric fans may be useful to increase comfort or to draw cool air into your home at night. Do not rely on a fan as your primary cooling device during a heat wave. At temperatures above about 100° F, a fan may actually increase heat stress. For example, at 100° F a fan may be delivering overheated air to the skin faster than the body can get rid of this heat with sweating. The net effect is to add heat rather than to cool the body.
- Be aware of the warning signs of heat-related illness, such as light-headedness, mild nausea or confusion, sleepiness or profuse sweating.
- While outdoors, rest frequently in a shady area.
- Scheduling outdoor activities before noon or in the evening,
- Wear sunscreen to protect skin from the sun's harmful rays. Sunburn affects your body's ability to cool itself and causes a loss of body fluids.
- Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
- Stay indoors and in an air-conditioned environment.
- Increase your fluid intake—regardless of your activity level. Don't wait until you feel thirsty to drink fluids. Ensure infants and children drink adequate amounts of liquids.
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol. Avoid very cold beverages because they can cause stomach cramps.
Who has the greatest risk of heat-related illness?
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Infants and children up to 4 years of age;
- Anyone 65 years of age or older;
- Anyone who is overweight;
- Anyone who overexerts during work or exercise;
- Anyone who is ill or on certain medications - Ask your doctor whether medications you take affect your body's response to the heat;
- Do not leave infants, children or pets unattended in a parked car.
For a list of local cooling centers, click here --> Cooling Centers
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Last Updated ( Tuesday, August 07 2007 18:10 )
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