Print

Email story

Comment

Email editor

Enjoy sun, fine, but be careful of the heat

Hurricanes and lightning aren't the only weather events that can kill. Heat is a major threat that requires attention.

By TERRI BRYCE REEVES
Published July 19, 2006

We take shelter from lightning, hail and tornadoes. We prepare for hurricanes. But there's another weather worry out there:

Heat.

It can kill.

Exposure to extreme heat caused nearly 9,000 deaths in the United States between 1979 and 2002, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That was more than the combined totals from hurricanes, lightning, tornadoes, floods and earthquakes.

Hurricane Katrina - which claimed more than 1,000 lives in 2005 - has skewed the picture a bit, but hot temperatures remain a constant threat.

"Heat-related deaths are the No. 1 nonsevere weather-related killer," said meteorologist Dennis Feltgen, public affairs spokesman for the National Weather Service.

With 2005 as the hottest year on record and the National Weather Service predicting that temperatures for July, August and September will climb higher than normal in Florida, health experts say people should take heed of heat.

"People get busy and concentrate on other things when they are working outside, and they may not take the proper precautions or they may ignore the symptoms of heat-related illnesses," said Jeannine Mallory, public information director for the Pinellas County Health Department.

The department advises that when the temperatures climb to more than 90 degrees, everyone is at risk for heat-related illnesses, which include dehydration, heat cramps and heatstroke. Those 65 and older and the very young are more susceptible because their internal thermostats don't operate as efficiently. Also at greater risk are those with mental and physical illnesses: Their medicines could interfere with the proper regulation of body temperatures.

Escalating body temperatures can lead to brain damage or the destruction of other vital organs.

The most serious heat-related illness is heatstroke, a medical emergency.

If someone displays signs of heatstroke - vomiting, headache, dizziness or decreased alertness - call 911 immediately and move the person to a cool spot. Wrap ice packs in cloths and place them on each of the victim's wrists and ankles, in the armpits and on the neck. Do not use rubbing alcohol, which closes up pores. Watch for breathing problems; make sure the airway is clear.

The first stage of heat-related illness is usually heat cramps that can create painful muscle cramps. After that, a more serious stage is heat exhaustion.

Should a person experience heat cramps or heat exhaustion, get the person to a cooler place and give a half glass of cool water every 15 minutes, making sure the person doesn't drink it too quickly. Remove or loosen clothing, and apply cool, wet cloths. If not treated, these conditions could lead to heatstroke.

[Last modified July 18, 2006, 21:05:00]