DISASTER PLANNING


HEAT WAVES

A heat wave is an extended time interval of abnormally and uncomfortably hot and unusually humid weather. To be a "heat wave" such a period should last at least one day, but conventionally it lasts from several days to several weeks.

Greatest Risks

    • Infants and children up to four years of age
    • People 65 years of age or older
    • People who are overweight
    • People who overexert during work or exercise
    • People who are ill or on certain medications

What Is The Heat Index

The heat index is the "apparent temperature" that describes the combined effect of high air temperature and high humidity. The higher this combination, the more difficult it is for the body to cool itself. If you work outdoors, it is critical that you remain aware of the heat index and take the appropriate precautions.

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R E L A T I V E     H U M I D I T Y    %
40% 45% 50% 55% 60% 65% 70% 75% 80% 85% 90% 95% 100%
A
I
R

T
E
M
P
E
R
A
T
U
R
E

F°		 110°
136
108°
130
137

HEAT INDEX
(APPARENT TEMPERATURE)
106°
124
130
137
104°
119
124
131
137
102°
114
119
124
130
137
100°
109
114
118
124
129
136
98°
105
109
113
117
123
128
134
96°
101
104
108
112
116
121
126
132
94°
97
100
102
106
110
114
119
124
129
136
92°
94
96
99
101
105
108
112
116
121
126
131
90°
91
93
95
97
100
103
106
109
113
117
122
127
132
88°
88
89
91
93
95
98
100
103
106
110
113
117
121
86°
85
87
88
89
91
93
95
97
100
102
105
108
112
84°
83
84
85
86
88
89
90
92
94
96
98
100
103
82°
81
82
83
84
84
85
86
88
89
90
91
93
95
80°
80
80
81
81
82
82
83
84
84
85
86
86
87
 
EXTREME
DANGER
 
DANGER
  
EXTREME
CAUTION
  
CAUTION
Heat Stroke or Sun Stroke highly likely Sun Stroke, Muscle Cramps, and/or Heat Exhaustion likely Sun Stroke, Muscle Cramps and/or Heat Exhaustion possible Fatigue

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Sunburn
flowers

Symptoms include painful spasms usually in leg and abdominal muscles, and heavy sweating.

First Aid measures include firm pressure on cramping muscles or gentle massage to relieve spasm.

Give sips of water. If nausea occurs, discontinue.



Heat Exhaustion

Symptoms: Heavy sweating, weakness, skin cold, pale and clammy. Weak pulse. Normal temperature possible. Fainting, vomiting

First Aid: Get victim to lie down in a cool place. Loosen clothing. Apply cool, wet cloths. Fan or move victim to air conditioned place. Give sips of water. If nausea occurs, discontinue. If vomiting occurs, seek immediate medical attention.