Michigan Heat Awareness Day
Wednesday May 29th 2013

 

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Heat Safety Information

What exactly is a heat wave?
A heat wave is a prolonged period of excessive heat and humidity. An Excessive Heat Warning is issued if the heat index equals or exceeds 105° for at least three consecutive hours. Heat Advisories are posted when the heat index is expected to exceed 100° for three consecutive hour and can be extended into the night if low temperatures are in the 70s or higher.

What is the Heat Index?
The heat index is a measurement of how hot it really feels when the relative humidity is incorporated with the actual temperature. Heat indices were designed for use in the shade with light wind conditions. If in direct sunlight, the heat index can increase as much as 15°. With very hot and dry air, strong winds can also be extremely dangerous.

 

Category Classification Heat Index/Apparent Temperature (0F) General Affect on People in High Risk Groups
I Extremely Hot 130° F or Higher Heat/Sunstroke highly likely with continued exposure
II Very Hot 105° F - 130° F Sunstroke, heat cramps, or heat exhaustion likely, and heatstroke possible with prolonged exposure and/or physical activity
III Hot 90° F - 105° F Sunstroke, heat cramps, or heat exhaustion possible with prolonged exposure and/or physical activity
IV Very Warm 80° F - 90° F Fatigue possible with prolonged exposure and/or physical activity

 

What are the impacts of excessive heat?

As temperatures and humidity climb, the body has to work harder to maintain a constant temperature of 98.6°. Ninety percent of the body cooling process is done by evaporation of water through the skin, or sweating. Higher relative humidity slows the evaporation rate and cooling process. Heart rates increase trying to pump more blood through the body, that in turn, evaporates more liquids from the body. When the heat gain exceeds the level of heat the body can remove, or when the body cannot compensate for fluids and salt lost through perspiration, the temperature of the body begins to rise and a heat related illness may develop.

Ranging in severity, heat disorders share one common feature: the individual has overexposed or overexercised for his/her age and physical condition.

Four types of heat disorders that occur and their symptoms include:

  • Sunburn: Redness and pain. (also swelling, blisters, fever, and headaches)
  • Heat cramps: Painful spasms usually in the legs and abdomen. (also heavy sweating)
  • Heat Exhaustion: Heavy sweating and weakness, along with cold, pale, and clammy skin.
  • Heat Stroke: A high body temperature, hot and dry skin, a rapid and strong pulse, and possible unconsciousness.

All heat disorders require attention, but heat stroke is a severe medical emergency and requires immediate medical attention. Any delays can result in death.

Never Leave Children, Disabled Adults or Pets in Parked Vehicles

Each year, dozens of children and untold numbers of pets left in parked vehicles die from hyperthermia. Hyperthermia is an acute condition that occurs when the body absorbs more heat than it can handle. Hyperthermia can occur even on a mild day. Studies have shown that the temperature inside a parked vehicle can rapidly rise to a dangerous level for children, pets and even adults.  Leaving the windows slightly open does not significantly decrease the heating rate. The effects can be more severe on children because their bodies warm at a faster rate than adults.

What can I do to stay safe during hot weather?

Following some simple safety tips can help prevent heat related problems:

  • Stay out of the sun. (sunburn makes the job of heat dissipation more difficult)
  • Spend as much time as possible in air conditioning. If you do not have an air conditioner, go to an air-conditioned public building, like a library.
  • Slow down. (reduce, eliminate, or reschedule physical activities for a cooler time of the day)
  • Drink plenty of water, even if you do not feel thirsty. Do not drink any alcohol, including beer.
  • Dress in lightweight and light colored clothes. This will reflect the sunlight and heat.
  • Eat smaller meals and less proteins.
  • Do not take salt tablets unless specified by a physician.

What are the impacts of hot weather?

Michigan averages about 4 heat related deaths each year.  The number of heat related illnesses are difficult to record, but it is fair to say that each year in Michigan there are hundreds of heat related illnesses some of which require hospitalizations.  The national average is 119 heat related deaths making heat the number one weather related killer in the United States.

 

   

 

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