Hundreds of people die each year in the United States due to heat-related illnesses, mostly children and the elderly, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The threat is greatest during excessive heat watches and warnings. Many of the deaths, however, can be prevented as long as people take the proper precautions.
The National Weather Service issues an excessive heat watch to give people time to prepare for potentially dangerous heat. According to the NWS, an excessive heat watch is when conditions can cause excessive heat in the next 12 to 48 hours.
An excessive heat warning/advisory is when excessive heat is occurring, is imminent, or has a very high probability of occurring in the next 36 hours, according to the NWS. These conditions can be a threat to life.
With that in mind, we have created a guide to surviving dangerous heat.
Take Precaution
Heat contributes to more than 600 deaths each year in the United States according to the CDC. The elderly and children are the most at risk of overheating. People with heart conditions or other chronic illnesses are also at risk.
Heat stroke is common and can be deadly. The following are warnings signs of heat stroke according to the CDC:
- Throbbing Headache
- No sweating
- Body Temperature above 103 degrees
- Red, hot, dry skin
- Nausea or vomiting
- Rapid, strong pulse
- Loss of consciousness
If you or someone has these signs, call 911 immediately. The CDC recommends trying to cool a person with symptoms while help is on the way.
The following are signs of heat exhaustion, according to the CDC:
- Faintness or dizziness
- Excessive sweating
- Cool, pale, clammy skin
- Nausea or vomiting
- Rapid, weak pulse
- Muscle cramps
If someone has these symptoms, they are advised to get to a cooler, air-conditioned place. If fully conscious, they should be given water and a cool shower or cold compress.
