Elderly persons, small children, chronic invalids, those on certain medications or drugs (especially tranquilizers and anticholinergics), and persons with weight problems or alcohol problems are particularly susceptible to heat disorders. This is especially true when a heat wave overtakes an area where a moderate climate usually prevails. Although everyone is at risk during high heat situations, folks who are considered to be "high risk" are the most likely to experience heat disorders.
According to bio-meteorologic research, the Heat Index can be used to roughly approximate how a person within a high risk group might react to the additional burden of heat stress. However, these results are independent of location and season.
Heat
Disorders / High Risk Groups
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Category
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Heat Index
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Possible Heat Disorders - For People In High Risk Groups
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|
Extreme
Danger
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130°F or higher
(54°C or higher)
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Heat stroke or sunstroke likely.
|
|
Danger
|
105 - 129°F
(41 - 54°C)
|
Sunstroke, muscle cramps, and/or heat exhaustion likely. Heatstroke
possible with prolonged exposure and/or physical activity.
|
|
Extreme
Caution
|
90 - 105°F
(32 - 41°C)
|
Sunstroke, muscle cramps, and/or heat exhaustion possible with
prolonged exposure and/or physical activity.
|
|
Caution
|
80 - 90°F
(27 - 32°C)
|
Fatigue possible with prolonged exposure and/or physical activity.
|
Also, other groups that find themselves at higher risk during high heat situations include...
- those who are involved in outdoor activities in the direct sun
- those who have no ready access to heat relief (no shade, poorly ventilated area, no air conditioning, etc.)
- those who are involved in activities requiring intense physical exertion
- those who must wear clothing that is not light in weight, loose in fit, or lighter in color
- those who do not have ready access to water or other non-alcoholic drinks
- those who are visiting an area (such as a central Florida tourist) from a moderate climate
Heat Stress Safety Precautions (For Everyone)
In general, when the Heat Index gets above 80o F people should begin to factor the affects of heat into their daily plans. However, when the Heat Index nears 99o F (or nears the normal body temperature), then it is definitely time to take some safety precautions. In times of excessive heat with the Heat Index rising above 105o F, taking these safety precautions becomes vital. In excessive heat situations, personal concern should also expand to the concern for others, especially those in higher risk groups.
How To Keep Cooler:
Slow down. Strenuous activities should be reduced, eliminated, or rescheduled to the coolest time of the day. Individuals at risk should stay in the coolest available place, not necessarily indoors.
Dress for summer. Lightweight, light-colored clothing reflects heat and sunlight, and helps your body maintain normal temperatures.
Put less fuel on your inner fires. Foods (like proteins) that increase metabolic heat production also increase water loss.
Drink plenty of water or other non-alcohol fluids. Your body needs water to keep cool. Drink plenty of fluids even if you don't feel thirsty. Note: Persons who
have epilepsy or heart, kidney, or liver disease, are on fluid restrictive diets, or have a problem with fluid retention should consult a physician before increasing their consumption of fluids.
Do not drink alcoholic beverages.
Do not take salt tablets unless specified by a physician. Persons on salt restrictive diets should consult a physician before increasing their salt intake.
Spend more time in air-conditioned places. Air conditioning in homes and other buildings markedly reduces danger from the heat. If you cannot afford an air conditioner, spending some time each day (during hot weather) in an air conditioned environment affords some protection. Don't get too much direct sun. Sunburn makes the job of heat dissipation that much more difficult.
High Risk Groups
Elderly persons, small children, chronic invalids, those on certain medications or drugs (especially tranquilizers and anticholinergics), and persons with weight and alcohol problems are particularly susceptible to heat reactions, especially during heat waves in areas where a moderate climate usually prevails.
Know These Heat Disorder Symptoms
Be able to recognize these symptoms in yourself and in others:
HEAT CRAMPS: Painful spasms usually in muscles of legs and abdomen possible. Heavy sweating. Firm pressure on cramping muscles, or gentle massage to relieve spasm. Give sips of water. If nausea occurs, discontinue use.
HEAT EXHAUSTION: Heavy sweating, weakness, skin cold, pale, and clammy. Pulse thready. Normal temperature possible. Fainting and vomiting. Get victim out of heat. Lay down and loosen clothing. Apply cool, wet cloths. Fan or move victim to air conditioned room. Sips of water. If nausea occurs. discontinue use. If vomiting continues, seek immediate medical attention.
HEAT STROKE or SUN STROKE: High body temperature (106 degrees F or higher). Hot dry skin. Rapid and strong pulse. Possible unconsciousness. HEAT STROKE IS A SEVERE MEDICAL EMERGENCY SUMMON EMERGENCY MEDICAL ASSISTANCE OR GET THE VICTIM TO A HOSPITAL IMMEDIATELY. DELAY CAN BE FATAL. Move the victim to a cooler environment. Reduce body temperature with cold bath or sponging. Use extreme caution. Remove clothing, use fans and air conditioners. If temperature rises again, repeat process. Do not give fluids.
This is an example of temperatures in Raiford :
Forecast for ZIP Code 32026
Updated:
11:50 AM EDT on July 05, 2004
|
|
88 °F / 31 °C
Mostly Cloudy
|
|
HeatIndex:
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96 °F / 35 °C
|
|
Humidity:
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62%
|
|
Dew Point:
|
73 °F / 23 °C
|