Extreme Heat Wave By Jill Jesso-White on June 29, 2018 in Community Health News Beat the Heat: Extreme Heat Heat related deaths are preventable WHAT: Extreme heat or heat waves occur when the temperature reaches extremely high levels or when the combination of heat and humidity causes the air to become oppressive. WHO: Children Older adults Outside workers People with disabilities More males than females are affected WHERE: Houses with little to no AC Construction worksites Cars HOW TO AVOID: Stay hydrated with water, avoid sugary beverages Stay cool in an air conditioned area Wear light-weight, light colored, loose fitting clothes During extreme heat the temperature in your car could be deadly. Outside Temperature 80° Inside: 109° Time Elapsed: 20 minutes Inside: 118° Time Elapsed: 40 minutes Inside: 123° Time Elapsed: 60 minutes HEAT ALERTS: Know the difference. HEAT OUTLOOK (Minor): Excessive heat event in 3 to 7 days HEAT WATCHES: Excessive heat event in 12 to 48 hours HEAT WARNING/ADVISORY (Major): Excessive heat event in next 36 hours DID YOU KNOW? Those living in urban areas may be at a greater risk from the effects of a prolonged heat wave than those living in rural areas. Most heat-related illnesses occur because of overexposure to heat or over-exercising. Sunburn can significantly slow the skin’s ability to release excess heat. 658 people died in the US as a result of extreme heat in 2011. $30 BILLION estimated total cost of the 2012 US drought and heatwave. For more information on ways to beat the heat please visit: http://www.cdc.gov/extremeheat/
