Extreme heat often results in the highest annual number of deaths among all weather-related disasters. Heat related illnesses are largely preventable with proper planning, education, and action.
The best defense against heat is drinking plenty of water and taking breaks in the shade or air conditioning.
Extreme heat is a period of high heat and humidity with temperatures above 90 degrees for at least two to three days. In extreme heat, your body works extra hard to maintain a normal temperature, which can lead to death. Older adults, children and people with certain illnesses and chronic conditions are at greater risk from extreme heat.
The best defense against heat-related illnesses is prevention. You can be prepared by knowing the symptoms of heat illnesses and overexposure to the sun, and being ready to give first aid treatment.
What to do before, during and after a heatwave
Keep it cool inside
Install window air conditioners snugly.
Insulate spaces around air conditioners for a tighter fit.
Use a circulating or box fan to spread the cool air.
Install temporary reflectors, such as aluminum foil covered cardboard, to reflect any heat back outside.
Install weather-stripping on doors and windowsills.
Consider keeping storm windows up all year. Storm windows can keep the heat out of a house in the summer the same way they keep the cold out in the winter.
Check air-conditioning ducts for proper insulation.
Take care of your body
Eat well-balanced, light meals.
Drink plenty of water regularly. Persons who have epilepsy or heart, kidney, or liver disease; are on fluid-restrictive diets; or have a problem with fluid retention should consult a doctor before increasing liquid intake.
Limit intake of alcoholic beverages. Although beer and alcoholic beverages appear to satisfy thirst, they actually cause further body dehydration.
Inside
Protect windows. Hang shades, draperies, awnings, or louvers on windows that receive morning or afternoon sun. Outdoor awnings or louvers can reduce the heat entering the house by as much as 80 percent.
Conserve electricity. During periods of extreme heat, people tend to use a lot more power for air conditioning which can lead to a power shortage or outage.
Stay indoors as much as possible. If air conditioning is not available, stay on the lowest floor out of the sunshine.
Outside
Allow your body to get acclimated to hot temperatures for the first 2 or 3 days of a heat wave.
Avoid too much sunshine. Sunburn slows the skin’s ability to cool itself. Use a sunscreen lotion with a high SPF (sun protection factor) rating.
Avoid extreme temperature changes. A cool shower immediately after coming in from hot temperatures can result in hypothermia, particularly for elderly and very young people.
Reduce, eliminate, or reschedule strenuous activities. High-risk individuals should stay in cool places. Get plenty of rest to allow your natural “cooling system” to work.
Dress in loose-fitting clothes that cover as much skin as possible. Lightweight, light-colored clothing that reflects heat and sunlight and helps maintain normal body temperature.
Protect face and head by wearing a wide-brimmed hat.
During a drought
Lower water use. Watering the lawn and washing the car waste water. Whenever possible, re-use water.
Place a brick or other large, solid object in the flush tank of the toilet to reduce the water used to flush.
Learn the symptoms of heat disorders, and know how to give first aid.
Sunburn
Symptoms:Characterized by redness of the skin and pain. In severe cases, swelling of skin, blisters, fever and headaches will occur.
First Aid:Use ointments for mild cases, if blisters appear and do not break. If breaking occurs, apply a dry, sterile dressing. Serious, extensive cases should be seen by physician.
Heat Cramps
Symptoms:Characterized by painful spasms usually in the muscles of legs and abdomen. The affected person(s) will be sweating heavily.
First Aid:Apply firm pressure on cramping muscles or gentle massage to relieve spasm. Give the victim sips of water. If nausea occurs, discontinue water.
Heat Exhaustion
Symptoms:Affected persons will experience heavy sweating, weakness, and cold, pale and clammy skin. His/her pulse may be thready. It is possible that the victim will have a normal temperature. Fainting and vomiting often occurs.
First Aid:Get the victim out of sun. Once inside, the person should lay down and loosen clothing. Apply cool, wet cloths. Fan or move victim to an air-conditioned room. Offer him/her sips of water. If nausea occurs, discontinue water. If vomiting continues, seek immediate medical attention.
Heat Stroke (Sunstroke)
Symptoms:Characterized by a high body temperature (106° F or higher). The victim’s skin will be hot and dry, and have a rapid and strong pulse. He/she may suffer possible unconsciousness.
First Aid: Heat stroke is a severe medical emergency. Summon emergency medical assistance or get the victim to a hospital immediately. Delaying can be fatal. While waiting for emergency assistance, move the victim to a cooler environment. Reduce body temperature with cold bath or sponging. Exercise extreme caution. Remove the affected person’s clothing. Use fans and air conditioners. If the person’s temperature rises again, repeat the process. Do not give the victim fluids.
Children and cars: a lethal combination
The temperature inside a car can quickly rise to dangerous levels, even on mild days. Never leave a child alone in a vehicle, even with the windows down.
Hyperthermia is an acute condition that occurs when the body absorbs more heat than it can dissipate. Hyperthermia can occur even on a mild day. Studies have shown that the temperature inside a parked vehicle can rapidly rise to a dangerous level for children, adults and pets. Leaving the windows slightly open does not significantly decrease the heating rate. The effects can be more severe on children because their bodies warm at a faster rate than adults.
Summer vehicle safety tips
Make sure your child’s safety seat and safety belt buckles aren’t too hot before securing your child in a safety restraint system, especially when your car has been parked in the heat.
Never leave your child unattended in a vehicle, even with the windows down.
Teach children not to play in, on or around cars.
Always lock car doors and trunks – even at home – and keep keys out of children’s reach.
Always make sure all children have left the car when you reach your destination.
Don’t ever leave sleeping infants in the car!
Iowa Disaster History - Heatwave of July 1936
Heatwave of July 1936
5,000
fatalities nationally
15
consecutive days over 100° in Iowa
121°
recorded in North Dakota
Iowa Disaster History
Heatwave of July 1936
The month of July 1936, during the “Dust Bowl” produced one of the hottest summers on record across the U.S., especially the Plains, Upper Midwest, and Great Lakes regions.
