Extreme Heat: New Tip Sheet Available
Temperatures are already soaring to record-breaking highs with the potential to create dangerous conditions. According to the National Weather Service, excessive heat is the leading weather-related killer in the United States. Approximately 1,220 people in the U.S. are killed by extreme heat every year, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
To help you stay safer in the heat, Healthcare Ready recently developed a heat-related tip sheet with personal preparedness information, as well as helpful hotline numbers specific to heat-related emergencies.
“We’re seeing a greater sense of urgency to stay safe with higher temperatures arriving earlier in the year, as well as the expectation that higher temperatures are going to last longer in some areas. It’s extremely important for everyone to learn how to prevent a heat-related illness and what to do in the case of a heat-related emergency,” says Julie Abrams, associate director of programs and response at Healthcare Ready.
Who Is Most At Risk?
While everyone needs to take care against extreme heat, the CDC notes that certain groups of people are more likely to face heat-related risks:
- People age 65 or older
- Infants and children
- People with disabilities
- People with mental illness
- People with chronic diseases
- Women who are pregnant
- People who lack access to air conditioning
- Outdoor workers or workers who are exposed to hot environments
Extreme Heat Safety Tips
- Check the local news and the National Weather Service for extreme heat alerts
- Learn the signs and symptoms of heat-related illness.
- If you see someone suffering from a heat emergency, call 911. Children may die if their temperature reaches 107 degrees, so act quickly.
- Get trained in first aid to treat heat-related emergencies.
- NEVER leave anyone in a parked car, especially children and pets.
- Visit www.211.org or contact your local Office of Emergency Management to find cooling centers near you.
- Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!
- Dress appropriately.
- Plan outdoor activities wisely.
Healthcare Ready also has tip sheets available for the following emergencies:
