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Extreme Heat A Prevention Guide To Promote Your Personal Health and Safety - PDF Room
Extreme Heat A Prevention Guide To Promote Your Personal Health and Safety - PDF Room
during the winter months. Replace Salt and Minerals sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher (the most
check the temperature of your home often Heavy sweating removes salt and minerals from the body. effective products say “broad spectrum”
location where you will see it frequently, and These are necessary for your body and must be replaced. If or “UVA/UVB protection” on their
place an easy-to-read thermometer in an indoor you must exercise, drink two to four glasses of cool, non- labels) 30 minutes prior to going out.
problems caused by cold. If you are over 65 years old, alcoholic fluids each hour. A sports beverage can replace Continue to reapply it according to the
age, and older people are more susceptible to health the salt and minerals you lose in sweat. However, if you are package directions.
Your ability to feel a change in temperature decreases with on a low-salt diet, talk with your doctor before drinking a
sports beverage or taking salt tablets. Schedule Outdoor
Activities Carefully
them monthly, and replace batteries twice yearly.
Wear Appropriate Clothing
carbon monoxide detector near the area to be heated. Test
heater, install a smoke detector and a battery-operated If you must be outdoors, try to limit
Also, if you’ll be using a fireplace, wood stove, or kerosene and Sunscreen your outdoor activity to morning
Wear as little clothing as possible when you are at home. and evening hours. Try to rest
under “chimney cleaning.”
Choose lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. often in shady areas so that your
or find one in the yellow pages of your telephone directory
Sunburn affects your body’s ability to cool itself and causes body’s thermostat will have a chance to recover.
Ask your local fire department to recommend an inspector,
a loss of body fluids. It also causes pain and damages the
and make sure that they have access to unfrozen water. heating, have your chimney or flue inspected each year.
skin. If you must go outdoors, Pace Yourself
If you plan to use a fireplace or wood stove for emergency
them inside, provide adequate shelter to keep them warm protect yourself from the If you are not accustomed to working or exercising in a hot
If you have pets, bring them indoors. If you cannot bring whenever a period of extreme cold is predicted. sun by wearing a environment, start slowly and pick up the pace gradually. If
or thermal-pane windows. forecasts regularly, and check your emergency supplies wide-brimmed exertion in the heat makes your heart pound and leaves you
stripping, insulation, insulated doors and storm windows, you with several days’ notice. Listen to weather hat (also keeps gasping for breath, STOP all activity. Get into a cool area
possible, weatherproof your home by adding weather- far in advance, weather forecasts can sometimes provide you cooler) along or at least into the shade, and rest, especially if you become
your water supply will be less likely to freeze. To the extent Although periods of extreme cold cannot always be predicted with sunglasses, lightheaded, confused, weak, or faint.
Insulate any water lines that run along exterior walls so Prepare Your Home for Winter and by putting on
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Warning signs of heat exhaustion include the following: Cooling measures that may be effective include the following:
• Heavy sweating • Dizziness • Cool, nonalcoholic beverages, as
and amount of time until frostbite occurs.
• Paleness • Headache directed by your physician
between actual air temperature and perceived temperature,
• Muscle cramps • Nausea or vomiting • Rest
The Wind Chill Chart to the right shows the difference
• Tiredness • Fainting • Cool shower, bath, more likely, even when temperatures are only cool.
• Weakness or sponge bath are high winds, serious weather-related health problems are
• An air-conditioned
The skin may be cool and moist. The victim’s pulse rate more quickly, causing skin temperature to drop. When there
environment
will be fast and weak, and breathing will be fast and shallow. increases, it can carry heat away from your body much
• Lightweight
If heat exhaustion is untreated, it may progress to heat by the effects of wind and cold. As the speed of the wind
clothing
stroke. Seek medical attention immediately if any of the It is based on the rate of heat loss from exposed skin caused
following occurs: Heat Cramps
when the air temperature is combined with the wind speed.
The Wind Chill index is the temperature your body feels
• Symptoms are severe Heat cramps usually affect people who sweat a lot during Understand Wind Chill
• The victim has heart problems or high blood pressure strenuous activity. This sweating depletes the body’s salt
and moisture. The low salt level in the muscles causes
Otherwise, help the victim to cool off, and seek medical painful cramps. Heat cramps may also be a symptom of don’t overdo it.
attention if symptoms worsen or last longer than 1 hour. heat exhaustion. your body is already working hard just to stay warm, so
door chores, dress warmly and work slowly. Remember,
Recognizing Heat Cramps work in the cold. Otherwise, if you have to do heavy out-
Heat cramps are muscle pains or spasms—usually in the advice about shoveling snow or performing other hard
abdomen, arms, or legs—that may occur in association heart disease or high blood pressure, follow your doctor’s
with strenuous activity. If you have heart problems or are Cold weather puts an extra strain on the heart. If you have
on a low-sodium diet, get medical attention for heat cramps. Avoid Exertion
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Avoid Ice Be Cautious About Travel
• Do not break blisters. red, painful, and abnormally warm after sun exposure. Walking on ice is extremely dangerous. Many cold-weather • Listen for radio or television reports of travel
butter, or ointment. Symptoms of sunburn are well known: the skin becomes injuries result from falls on ice-covered sidewalks, steps, advisories issued by the National Weather Service.
affected areas. Do not use salve, Recognizing Sunburn driveways, and porches. Keep your steps and walkways as • Do not travel in low visibility conditions.
• Apply moisturizing lotion to free of ice as possible by using rock salt or another chemical • Avoid traveling on ice-covered roads,
the sunburned area in cool water. medical attention. de-icing compound. Sand may also be used on walkways to overpasses, and bridges if at all possible.
• Apply cold compresses or immerse occurs in about a week, a more severe sunburn may require reduce the risk of slipping. • If you must travel by car, use tire chains
• Avoid repeated sun exposure. Although the discomfort is usually minor and healing often and take a mobile phone with you.
Sunburn should be avoided because it damages the skin.
Be Safe During Recreation • If you must travel, let someone know
treating sunburn: Sunburn
Notify friends and family where you will be before you go your destination and when you
Also, remember these tips when
hiking, camping, or skiing. Do not leave areas of the skin expect to arrive. Ask them to notify
1 hour.
exposed to the cold. Avoid perspiring or becoming over- authorities if you are late.
• Severe pain cramps if they do not subside in
tired. Be prepared to take emergency shelter. Pack dry • Check and restock the winter emergency
• Fluid-filled blisters • Seek medical attention for heat
clothing, a two-wave radio, waterproof matches and paraffin supplies in your car before you leave.
• Fever heat stroke.
fire starters with you. Do not use alcohol and other mood • Never pour water on your windshield
may lead to heat exhaustion or
than 1 year of age or if these symptoms are present: altering substances, and avoid caffeinated beverages. to remove ice or snow; shattering may occur.
subside, because further exertion
Consult a doctor if the sunburn affects an infant younger Avoid walking on ice or getting wet. Carefully watch for • Don’t rely on a car to provide sufficient
for a few hours after the cramps
What to Do signs of cold-weather health problems. heat; the car may break down.
• Do not return to strenuous activity
• Always carry additional warm clothing
• Drink clear juice or a sports beverage.
appropriate for the winter conditions.
cool place.
• Stop all activity, and sit quietly in a
If medical attention is not necessary, take these steps:
What to Do
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What to Do if You Get Stranded Cold-Weather
Staying in your vehicle when stranded is often the safest
choice if winter storms create poor visibility or if roadways Health Emergencies
are ice covered. These steps will increase your safety when Serious health problems can result from prolonged
stranded: exposure to the cold. The most common cold-related much more severe.
• Tie a brightly colored cloth to the antenna problems are hypothermia and frostbite. medical assistance. Other heat-related problems can be
as a signal to rescuers and raise the hood Treating heat rash is simple and usually does not require
of the car (if it is not snowing). Hypothermia
• Move anything you need from the trunk When exposed to cold temperatures, your body begins to and may make the condition worse.
into the passenger area. lose heat faster than it can be produced. Prolonged exposure ointments or creams—they keep the skin warm and moist
• Wrap your entire body, including your to cold will eventually use up your body’s stored energy. powder may be used to increase comfort, but avoid using
head, in extra clothing, blankets, or newspapers. The result is hypothermia, or abnormally low body temper- humid environment. Keep the affected area dry. Dusting
• Stay awake. You will be less vulnerable to cold-related ature. Body temperature that is too low affects the brain, The best treatment for heat rash is to provide a cooler, less
health problems. making the victim unable to think clearly or move well. What to Do
• Run the motor (and heater) for about 10 minutes per This makes hypothermia particularly dangerous because a groin, under the breasts, and in elbow creases.
hour, opening one window slightly to let in air. Make person may not know it is happening and won’t be able to It is more likely to occur on the neck and upper chest, in the
sure that snow is not blocking the exhaust pipe—this do anything about it. Heat rash looks like a red cluster of pimples or small blisters.
will reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
• As you sit, keep moving your arms and legs to improve Hypothermia is most likely at very cold temperatures, but Recognizing Heat Rash
your circulation and stay warmer. it can occur even at cool temperatures (above 40°F) if a
most common in young children.
• Do not eat unmelted snow because it person becomes chilled from rain, sweat, or
during hot, humid weather. It can occur at any age but is
will lower your body temperature. submersion in cold water.
Heat rash is a skin irritation caused by excessive sweating
• Huddle with other people
for warmth.
Heat Rash
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Victims of hypothermia are often (1) elderly people with If medical care is not available, begin warming the
inadequate food, clothing, or heating; (2) babies sleeping in person, as follows:
cold bedrooms; (3) people who remain outdoors for long
• Get the victim into a warm room or shelter.
periods—the homeless, hikers, hunters, etc.; and (4) people
• If the victim has on any wet clothing, remove it.
who drink alcohol or use illicit drugs.
remain safe and healthy. • Warm the center of the body first—chest, neck, head,
in your fluid intake, activities, and clothing during hot weather can help you to
Recognizing Hypothermia and groin—using an electric blanket, if available. Or
against heat-related illness is prevention. Staying cool and making simple changes
Warnings signs of hypothermia: use skin-to-skin contact under loose, dry layers of
to recognize and respond promptly to warning signs of trouble. Your best defense blankets, clothing, towels, or sheets.
Adults: Infants:
These self-help measures are not a substitute for medical care but may help you • Warm beverages can help increase the body temperature,
• shivering, exhaustion • bright red, cold skin
but do not give alcoholic beverages. Do not try to give
• confusion, fumbling hands • very low energy
One Last Hot Tip…
beverages to an unconscious person.
• memory loss, slurred speech
• After body temperature has increased, keep
• drowsiness
the person dry and wrapped in a warm
blanket, including the head and neck.
What to Do • Get medical attention as soon as possible.
If you notice any of these signs, take the
person’s temperature. If it is below 95°, A person with severe hypothermia may be unconscious and
the situation is an emergency—get may not seem to have a pulse or to be breathing. In this
medical attention immediately. case, handle the victim gently, and get emergency assistance
immediately. Even if the victim appears dead, CPR should
be provided. CPR should continue while the victim is being
warmed, until the victim responds or medical aid becomes
available. In some cases, hypothermia victims who appear
to be dead can be successfully resuscitated.
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http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/hsb/extremeheat/
1-888-232-6789; EHHEinq@cdc.gov
4700 Buford Hwy, Atlanta, GA 30341-3717
National Center for Environmental Health, MS F52
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
For more information on hot weather conditions and health, please contact:
For more information on cold weather conditions and health, please contact:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
National Center for Environmental Health, MS F52
4700 Buford Hwy, Atlanta, GA 30341-3717
1-888-232-6789; EHHEinq@cdc.gov
http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/hsb/extremecold/