IMPACTS... THE WORST WOULD BE FELT BY THOSE WHO LIVE AND/OR WORK IN THE URBAN AREAS. THOSE WHO ARE AT A GREATER RISK INCLUDE THE ELDERLY... THE INFIRM AND CHILDREN.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS
AN EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING MEANS THAT A PROLONGED PERIOD OF DANGEROUSLY HOT TEMPERATURES WILL OCCUR. THE COMBINATION OF HOT TEMPERATURES AND HIGH HUMIDITY WILL CREATE A DANGEROUS SITUATION IN WHICH HEAT ILLNESSES ARE LIKELY. DRINK PLENTY OF FLUIDS... STAY IN AN AIR-CONDITIONED ROOM... STAY OUT OF THE SUN... AND CHECK UP ON RELATIVES AND NEIGHBORS.
TAKE EXTRA PRECAUTIONS IF YOU WORK OR SPEND TIME OUTSIDE. WHEN POSSIBLE... RESCHEDULE STRENUOUS ACTIVITY TO EARLY MORNING OR EVENING. KNOW THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF HEAT EXHAUSTION AND HEAT STROKE. WEAR LIGHT WEIGHT AND LOOSE FITTING CLOTHING WHEN POSSIBLE AND DRINK PLENTY OF WATER.
TO REDUCE RISK DURING OUTDOOR WORK... THE OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION RECOMMENDS SCHEDULING FREQUENT REST BREAKS IN SHADED OR AIR CONDITIONED ENVIRONMENTS. ANYONE OVERCOME BY HEAT SHOULD BE MOVED TO A COOL AND SHADED LOCATION. HEAT STROKE IS AN EMERGENCY - CALL 9 1 1.
HEAT WAVE SAFETY TIPS
•Stay indoors as much as possible and limit your exposure to sun.
•Stay on the lowest floor, out of the sunshine, if air conditioning is not available.
•Consider spending the warmest part of the day in public buildings such as libraries, schools, movie theaters, shopping malls and other community facilities. Circulating air can cool the body by increasing the perspiration rate of evaporation.
•Eat regular, light, well-balanced meals and limit your intake of alcoholic beverages.
•Drink plenty of water!!! People who have epilepsy or heart, kidney or liver disease; are on fluid-restricted diets; or have a problem with fluid retention should consult a doctor before increasing liquid intake.
•Dress in loose-fitting, lightweight and light-colored clothing that covers as much skin as possible.
•Protect your face and head by wearing a wide-brimmed hat.
•Check on family, friends and neighbors who do not have air conditioning and who spend much of their time alone.
•Never leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles.
