A Long Hot Summer Can Be a Killer!

Heat is the number one weather related killer in the United States, although most people would guess that tornadoes, hurricanes or flooding would be the major cause of death. In fact, the National Weather Service statistical data shows that heat causes more fatalities that floods, lightning, tornadoes and hurricanes combined. Based on the 10 year average from 1994 to 2003, excessive heat claimed 237 lives each year. By contrast, floods killed 84; tornadoes, 58; lightning, 63; and hurricanes, 18.

In the heat wave of 1980, more than 1,250 people died. In the heat wave of 1995, more than 700 deaths were attributed to excessive heat in the Chicago area alone. In August, 2003, a record heat wave in Europe claimed an estimated 50,000 lives.

Heat disorders generally have to do with a reduction or even a collapse of the body’s ability to shed heat through sweating or through circulatory changes in the body. A salt imbalance caused by too much sweating can also cause problems. When the core temperature of the body’s inner core begins to rise and the body can’t take care of it, heat related illness may occur.

To be safe on days when there is an Excessive Heat Event, here are some safety tips.

✓ Check to make sure child seating surfaces and equipment aren’t too hot when securing your child in a safety restraint system in a car that has been parked in the heat.
✓ Never leave a child or pet or anyone else unattended in a vehicle even with the windows down.
✓ Make certain all child passengers have left the car when you reach your destination. Don’t overlook sleeping infants or children.
✓ Slow down. Avoid strenuous activities or reschedule them to the coolest time of the day.
✓ Dress for summer. Lightweight, light colored clothing reflects heat and sunlight and helps your body maintain normal temperatures.
✓ Drink plenty of water or other non-alcohol fluids, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
✓ Do not drink alcoholic beverages.
✓ Spend more time in air-conditioned places. If you can’t afford an air conditioner, try to spend some time each day during the hot weather in an air conditioned environment. It is possible that there are public buildings, stores, or libraries where you can spend some time during the hottest part of the day.
✓ Don’t get too much sun. Sunburn makes the job of heat dissipation that much more difficult for your body.
✓ Don’t take salt tablets unless advised specifically by a physician.

Take steps to avoid heat exhaustion, sunburn, and heat stroke. Heatstroke, also called sunstroke is a severe medical emergency that needs immediate attention. So, take care, and beware on those really hot days. Stay safe and have a great summer!

Kathy Reets - Co-Founder and Owner