What to Do in Case of … Extreme Heat
About Extreme Heat
In recent years, excessive heat has caused more deaths than all other weather events, including floods. A heat wave is a prolonged period of excessive heat, often combined with excessive humidity. Generally, tempertures are 10 degrees or more above the average high temperture for the region during summer months, last for a long period of time and occur with high humidity as well.
Looking at Seattle area weather and mortality statistics back to the mid 1970s, an average of three or four fatalities have occurred each summer. During excessively warm summers such as the summer of 1992, up to 50 to 60 deaths have occurred. Most fatalities are indirectly caused by heat, such as heart attacks, strokes and respiratory illness. The most vulnerable people tend to be the elderly. Daytime heating with temperatures into the 90s is a problem, but not cooling off during the warm nights adds to the body’s stress.
We have learned that people respond to heat events differently in different regions around the country. For instance, in the Seattle area, very few people have air conditioning when compared to other typically warmer parts of the country.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has developed a Heat Health Watch/Warning System that tailors excessive heat guidance to specific regions in the country. The system provides guidance to forecasters in the NWS Seattle office, based on their forecast information and a sophisticated statistical analysis of the excessive heat threat. Forecasters can then issue excessive heat outlooks, watches, warnings and advisories, depending on the lead time before the event and the intensity of the event. The warning message is transmitted to area media, emergency management and health community officials, just like other weather or flood warning type related messages. The excessive heat messages are also posted on the NWS web site, aired on NOAA Weather Radio, and many other resources for the public. Emergency management and health community officials, in partnership with the media and NWS, then reach out to the public with messages on what steps to take to reduce the heat impacts, particularly for the elderly – the most vulnerable population group.
What to do before extreme heat:
- Prepare disaster supply kits for your home, workplace, and vehicle.
- Have non-protein type foods in stock. Foods like meat increase metabolic heat production and increase water loss.
- Have plenty of water available.
- Find out who in your area might need special assistance, specifically the elderly, disabled, or non-English speaking neighbors.
- Know the emergency plans for Northwest University.
- Listen to local weather forecasts and stay aware of upcoming temperture changes.
- Discuss heat safety precautions with members of your household. Have a plan for wherever you spend your time-home, work and school-and prepare for the possibility of power outages.
- 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 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.
What to do during extreme heat:
- Listen to NOAA Weather Radio for critical updates from the NWS.
- 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 temperture 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.
What to do after extreme heat:
- Check yourself and those around you for injuries.
- Call 9-1-1 only to report a life threatening emergency.
- Provide assistance to your neighbors.
- Try to make contact with your out of area phone contact, but do not make local calls.
Know the terms.
Heat Advisory