Graphics: How to keep cool and recognize the warnings signs of heatstroke
Expect the summer of 2023 to be a hot one with above-normal temperatures, less rain, heat domes and greater risk of getting sick from the heat.
Every year, more than 700 people in the USA die from a combination of prolonged high heat and humidity, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Heat domes: How heat domes cause record-breaking temperatures.
It's important to know how heat affects your body, the Federal Emergency Management Agency says. Extreme heat makes it difficult for the body to keep its temperature in a normal range and can cause a number of conditions.
Here's a look at heat illnesses and what you can do to protect yourself and those around you.
How heat exhaustion and heatstroke symptoms differ
Extreme heat and humidity challenge the body's ability to cool itself. It’s important to know the signs of excessive heat exposure and how to treat heat-related illnesses. Here’s a comparison of the warning signs and symptoms of heat illness and recommended steps for first aid.
Heat index chart calculates danger of humidity, heat
The National Weather Service warns that "extreme heat and humidity will significantly increase the potential for heat-related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities."
This chart shows how hot it feels when the effects of humidity and high temperatures are combined:
How to help a victim of heatstroke
The CDC says people suffering from heatstroke are in a life-threatening emergency. The agency's recommendations:
How to help a victim of heat exhaustion
The CDC says heat exhaustion is a milder form of illness than heat stroke. The agency's recommendations:
Who's at highest risk?
According to the CDC, age, weight, fever, dehydration, heart disease, poor circulation and sunburn determine a person's ability to cool off in hot weather. Alcohol and drug use can be factors.
Those at greatest risk of heat illness are people who are:
- Ages 65 and older.
- Age 2 or younger.
- Suffering from chronic diseases or mental illness.
Young and healthy people can get heat illness if they're active in hot weather, the CDC says.
Tips on keeping cool
- Drink water, more than usual, no matter how active you are. Don't wait until you're thirsty. Make sure your pets have plenty to drink.
- Avoid liquids with large amounts of sugar, alcohol or caffeine. These can increase body fluid loss.
- Stay in air-conditioned buildings as much as possible.
- Take cool showers or baths.
- Limit outdoor activity, especially in the middle of the day.
- Use drapes or shades on windows to keep out the sun.
- Limit oven and stove use to keep in-home temperatures lower.
- Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing to improve perspiration evaporation.
What else can you do?
- Check on well-being of friends and neighbors – do they need help in keeping cool?
- Never leave people or pets in a closed car, even with partially open windows. The vehicle interior can rapidly reach dangerous temperatures.
- Seek immediate medical care for those with symptoms of heat illness.
SOURCE USA TODAY Network reporting and research; The Associated Press; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Federal Emergency Management Agency; National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; Emergency Operations Center, Houston