Wisconsin Heat Awareness Day
HEAT IS THE #1 KILLER
The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report
more than 300 deaths due to heat every year. The number of deaths
from heat is approximately equal to that from flooding, lightning,
tornadoes and hurricanes combined.
In 2001, there were 9
heat-related deaths in Milwaukee County.
PEOPLE AT GREATEST RISK DURING EXTREME HEAT EVENTS
- Older adults
- people on certain medications including psychotropic drugs
- isolated individuals who live alone and seldom leave their home
- infants and young children
- persons with chronic heart or lung problems
- overweight people
- persons with disabilities
- people who work outside
SYMPTOMS OF HEAT-RELATED ILLNESS AND WHAT TO DO
-
Heat Cramps - cramps or muscle
spasms in the abdomen, arms or legs. Solution: Stop
activity, cool down, drink clear juice or sports drink.
-
Heat Exhaustion - heavy sweating,
paleness, muscle cramps, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea,
fainting. Solution: Cool down, seek medical
attention if person has heart problems or high blood pressure.
-
Heat Stroke - extremely high body temperature, red, hot, dry
skin, rapid pulse, throbbing headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion,
unconsciousness. Solution: Call 911 and cool the
victim with shower or hose until help arrives.
HOW TO STAY COOL
If possible, spend time in an air-conditioned environment. If
not, basements are often several degrees cooler; cover windows to prevent
direct sunlight from entering; use fans to blow hot air outside if over 95
degrees.
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Last Updated: June 30, 2008 |
