• Heat-related fatalities outpace deaths in several other weather categories. 
• Based on a national average excessive heat claims 219 lives each year. 
• By contrast, floods kill 88, tornadoes 57, lightning 52 and hurricanes 15.

Heat Problems

• Heat crampsare muscular pains and spasms that usually occur in the legs or abdomen caused by exposure to high heat and humidity, and loss of fluids and electrolytes. 
  • Find a cool location to rest and take fluids (water or sports drinks). 
• Heat exhaustiontypically involves the loss of body fluids through heavy sweating during strenuous exercise or physical labor in high heat and humidity. 
  • Signs of heat exhaustion include cool, moist, pale or flushed skin; heavy sweating; headache; nausea; dizziness; weakness; and exhaustion. 
• Heat stroke(also known as sunstroke) is a life-threatening condition in which a person’s temperature control system stops working and the body is unable to cool itself. 
  • Signs of heat stroke include hot, red skin which may be dry or moist; changes in consciousness; vomiting; and high body temperature. – 
  • Heat stroke is life-threatening. Call 911 immediately!

During a Heat Wave

• Drink more fluids – avoid alcohol and high-sugared drinks. 
• Stay in an air-conditioned place during the hottest parts of the day. 
• If air conditioning is not available, be in a location with adequate shade, air-flow and ventilation. 
• Make use of public venues or cooling centers if necessary. 
• Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. 
• NEVER leave any person or animal in a closed, parked vehicle.

Heat Index

• The Heat Index is a measure of how hot it feels when relative humidity is added to the air temperature.
• Heat Index values are based on shady conditions with a light wind; exposure to full sunshine can increase values by up to 15 degrees.

Know the Heat Warning Terms

Excessive Heat Warning 

• Issued within 12 hours of the heat index reaching one of two levels. 
  • A warning will be issued if : The heat index is greater than 105°F for any period. 

Excessive Heat Watch 

• Issued when the heat index is expected to be greater than 105ºF and nighttime low temperature will be at least 75ºF or higher for two consecutive days.