Extreme heat requires precautions
People visiting the area would probably think it was mid-July by the way the scorching heat has soared into the 90s for the past couple of weeks.
The extreme heat is uncharacteristic for this time of year when highs are normally in the upper 70s and lower 80s according to the National Weather Service in Huntsville.
“We can’t predict exactly how long this heat will last, but it will at least be around for several more days,” NWS meteorologist Dan Dixon said. “After looking at the long-range model data, it looks like the heat will be several degrees above normal well into next week.”
With highs hovering in the mid-90s on a daily basis and high levels of humidity, area residents should take precautions when planning to be outdoors for an extended period of time.
According to the Alabama Department of Public Health, the combination of record-breaking heat and humidity presently affecting Alabama can be deadly, especially when residents do not prepare for the extreme weather.
Heat-related illnesses occur when the body’s temperature control system becomes overloaded and the resulting effects can include sickness or even heat stroke.
Anyone can be affected by heat-related illnesses, but individuals with heart problems, poor circulation, diabetes, a previous stroke or those who are obese are at a greater risk for becoming sick in hot weather. Heat-related illnesses can also increase among people using medications for high blood pressure, nervousness or depression.
The most serious form of heat-related illness is a heat stroke or a sunstroke, and citizens should be aware of the warning signs, which can vary but generally include the following: an extremely high body temperature above 103 F; red, hot and dry skin with no sweating; rapid, strong pulse; throbbing headache; dizziness; nausea; confusion; and unconsciousness.
“Heat stroke is a life-threatening emergency,” assistant state health officer Dr. Tom Miller said. “A person with heat stroke is likely to be unconscious or unresponsive so he or she cannot safely consume any liquids.”
According to the ADPH, someone who is experiencing heat stroke should be taken to a shady area, cooled rapidly in a tub of cool water, placed in a cool shower, sprayed with cool water from a water hose, or fanned vigorously. The person’s body temperature should be monitored and medical personnel should be called.
Heat stroke is a serious condition, but it and other heat-related illnesses can be prevented. Just as someone wouldn’t go out into freezing weather without a jacket, people should realize that certain precautions should be taken before venturing out into the summertime heat. Follow these rules of thumb from the ADPH when dealing with the hot Alabama weather:
• Stay indoors and in an air-conditioned environment as much as possible unless you’re sure your body has a high tolerance for heat.
• Drink plenty of fluids but avoid beverages that contain alcohol, caffeine or a lot of sugar.
• Eat more frequently but make sure meals are balanced and light.
• Never leave any person or pet in a parked vehicle.
• Avoid dressing babies in heavy clothing or wrapping them in warm blankets.
• Check frequently on people who are elderly, ill or may need help. If you might need help, arrange to have family, friends or neighbors check in with you at least twice a day throughout warm weather periods.
• Make sure pets have plenty of water.
• Salt tablets should only be taken if specified by your doctor. If you are on a salt-restrictive diet, check with a doctor before increasing salt intake.
• If you take prescription diuretics, antihistamines, mood-altering or antispasmodic drugs, check with a doctor about the effects of sun and heat exposure.
• Cover windows that receive morning or afternoon sun. Awnings or louvers can reduce the heat entering a house by as much as 80 percent.
• Avoid extreme temperature changes. A cool shower immediately after coming in from hot temperatures can result in hypothermia, particularly for elderly or very young people.
• Plan strenuous outdoor activities for early or late in the day when temperatures are cooler, then gradually build up tolerance for warmer conditions.
• Take frequent breaks when working outdoors.
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat, sun block and light-colored, loose-fitting clothes when outdoors.
• At first signs of heat illness (dizziness, nausea, headaches, muscle cramps), move to a cooler location, rest for a few minutes and slowly drink a cool beverage. Seek medical attention immediately if you do not feel better.
• Avoid sunburn because it slows the skin’s ability to cool itself. Use a sunscreen lotion with a high SPF (sun protection factor) rating.
