Extreme Heat and Heatwave Survival

WHY HEAT KILLS - Heat raises core body temperature. Heatstroke kills fast; the very young, the elderly, pregnant people and those with chronic illness are most at risk. KNOW THE DIFFERENCE 1. HEAT EXHAUSTION: heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea, muscle cramps, cool/clammy skin. Action: move to A/C or shade, loosen clothes, sip cool water, mist the skin. Usually recovers within an hour. 2. HEATSTROKE (MEDICAL EMERGENCY): hot, DRY skin (often no sweat), confusion, throbbing headache, rapid pulse, body temp >=104F, can pass out. CALL 911. Cool them fast: cold-water immersion/shower, wet cloths, ice packs to neck/armpits/groin. Do NOT give drinks if unconscious. PREVENT IT - Stay indoors in A/C during the hottest part (11am-6pm). If you do not have A/C, go to a cooling center, library or mall. - Hydrate before you are thirsty. Avoid alcohol, caffeine and heavy meals. - Wear loose, light-colored, breathable clothing and a wide hat. - NEVER leave kids or pets in a parked car — interior reaches lethal temps in minutes. - Check on elderly and isolated neighbors daily during a heatwave. HOUSEHOLD HACKS - Close curtains on sun-facing windows; use fans to pull hot air out at night. - A damp towel on neck/wrists cools the blood quickly.