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HEAT/COLD

Doing too much on a hot day, spending too much time in the sun or staying too long in any place can cause heat-related illnesses. Know the symptoms of heat disorders and overexposure to the sun, and be ready to give first aid treatment.

Before

• Contact your local emergency management office or American Red Cross chapter for information on extreme heat.

• Install window air conditioners snugly.

• Close any floor heat registers nearby.

• Insulate spaces around air conditioners for a tighter fit.

• Use a circulating box fan to spread the cool air.

Keep heat outside and cool air inside.

• Install temporary reflectors, such as aluminum foil covered cardboard, to reflect any heat back outside. Keep the cool air inside by weather-stripping doors and windowsills.

• Consider keeping storm windows up all year. Storm windows can keep the heat of a house out the summer the same way they keep the cold out in the winter.

• Check air-conditioning ducts for proper insulation.

During

• 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%. 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. Remember that electric fans do not cool, they just blow hot air around.

• Eat well-balanced, light meals.

• Drink plenty of water regularly. Persons who have epilepsy or heart, kidney, or liver disease and 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 alcohol beverages appear to satisfy thirst, they actually cause further body dehydration.

• 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.

• 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.

• Slow down. Reduce, eliminate, or reschedule strenuous activities. High-risk individuals stay in cool places. Get plenty of rest to allow your natural "cooling system" to work.

• Take salt tablets only if specified by your doctor. Persons on salt-restrictive diets should check with a doctor before increasing salt intake.

• Vacuum air conditioner filters weekly during periods of high use.

• Learn the symptoms of heat disorders and know how to give first aid.

During a Drought

• Lower water use. Watering the lawn and washing the car waste water. Whenever possible reuse water.
• Place a brick or other large, solid object in the flush tank of the toilet to reduce the water used to flush.
• Farmers should contact the county Farm Service Agency for disaster assistance information.

Heat Disorders

Sunburn

Symptoms: Skin redness and pain, possible swelling, blisters, fever, headaches. First Aid: Take a shower, using soap, to remove oils that may block pores preventing the body from cooling naturally. If blisters occur, apply dry sterile dressings and get medical attention.

Heat Cramps

Symptoms: Painful spasms usually in leg and abdominal muscles. Heavy sweating. First Aid: Firm pressure on cramping muscles or gentle massage to relieve spasm. Give sips of water. If nausea occurs, discontinue.

Heat Exhaustion

Symptoms: Heavy sweating, weakness, skin cold, pale and clammy. Weak pulse. Normal temperature possible. Fainting, vomiting.  First Aid: Get victim to lie down in a cool place. Loosen clothing. Apply cool, wet cloths. Fan or move victim to air-conditioned place. Give sips of water. If nausea occurs, discontinue. If vomiting, occurs, seek immediate medical attention.

Heat Stroke (Sun Stroke)

Symptoms: High body temperature (106+). Hot, dry skin. Rapid, strong pulse. Possible unconsciousness. Victim will likely not sweat. First Aid: Heat stroke is a severe medical emergency. Call 9-1-1 or emergency medical services to get the victim to a hospital immediately. Delay can be fatal. Move victim to a cooler environment. Try a cool bath or sponging to reduce body temperature. Use extreme caution. Remove clothing. Use fans and/or air conditioners. DO NOT GIVE FLUIDS.

For more information:

Relief

Winter Weather Preparedness Tips

Preparing Your Family

• Assemble a disaster supply kit. Store drinking water, canned/no-cook food, non-electric can opener, first aid kit, battery-powered radio, flashlight and extra batteries where you can get them easily, even in the dark. Also include winter specific items such as rock salt, sand and other snow removal equipment.

• Prepare for the possibility that you will need to stay in your home for several days after a winter storm. Make sure that you have sufficient heating fuel as well as emergency equipment in case electricity is cut off.

• House fires pose an additional risk, as more people turn to alternate heating sources without taking the necessary safety precautions. Keep fire extinguishers on hand, and make sure everyone in your house knows how to use them.

• Know ahead of time what you should do to help elderly or disabled friends and neighbors or employees.

• Maintain ventilation when using kerosene heaters to avoid a build-up of toxic fumes and always refuel outside. Keep all heaters at least three feet from flammable objects.

• Dress in several layers of loose fitting, lightweight, warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing. Outer garments should be tightly woven and water-repellent. Wear a hat, mittens and sturdy, waterproof boots. Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs from extremely cold air.                                        

Preparing Your Car

• Keep cars and other vehicles fueled and in good repair. Winterize your car by checking your car battery, ignition system, thermostat, lights, flashers, exhaust, heater, brakes, defroster and tires. Ensure that your car has adequate antifreeze, windshield washer fluid and oil and check regularly throughout the season.

• Place a winter emergency kit in each car that includes a shovel, windshield scraper, flashlight, battery powered radio, extra batteries, water, snack food, extra hats and mittens, blanket, tow chain or rope, road salt and sand, booster cables, emergency flares and fluorescent distress flag.

• If traveling by car during a winter weather advisory or winter storm watch, do so in daylight and don't travel alone, keep others informed of your schedule and route, and stay on main roads. Avoid driving during a winter storm warning or blizzard warning.

Preparing Your Home

• Install storm windows or cover windows with plastic, insulate walls and attacks, and apply caulk and weather-stripping to doors and windows.

• Winterize your house, barn, shed or any other structure that may provide shelter for your family, neighbors, livestock or equipment. Clear rain gutters, repair roof leaks and cut away tree branches that could fall on a house or other structure during a storm.

• Insulate pipes with insulation or newspapers and plastic and allow faucets to drip a little during cold weather to avoid freezing.

• Learn how to shut off water valves (in case a pipe bursts).

• Hire a contractor to check the structural ability of the roof to sustain unusually heavy weight from the accumulation of snow - or water, if drains on flat roofs do not work.

• Remove ice and snow from tree limbs, roof and other structures after the storm passes.

If A Blizzard Traps You In Your Car

• Pull off the road, set hazard lights to flashing, and hang a distress flag from the radio aerial or window. Remain in your vehicle; rescuers are most likely to find you there.

• Conserve fuel, but run the engine and heater about ten minutes each hour to keep warm, cracking a downwind window slightly to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Exercise to maintain body heat but don't overexert. Huddle with other passengers and use your coat as a blanket.

• In extreme cold use road maps, seat covers, floor mats, newspapers or extra clothing--anything to provide additional insulation and warmth.

• Turn on the inside dome light so rescue teams can see you at night, but be careful not to run the battery down. In remote areas, spread a large cloth over the snow to attract the attention of rescue planes.

• Do not set out on foot unless you see a building close by where you know you can take shelter.

• Once the blizzard is over, you may leave the car and proceed on foot. Follow the road if possible. If you need to walk across open country, use distant points as landmarks to help maintain your sense of direction.

After The Storm

• Report downed power lines and broken gas lines immediately.

• After blizzards, heavy snows or extreme cold, check to see that no physical damage has occurred and that water pipes are functioning. If there are no other problems, wait for streets and roads to be opened before you attempt to drive anywhere.

• Check on neighbors, especially any who might need help.

• Beware of overexertion and exhaustion. Shoveling snow in extreme cold causes many heart attacks. Set your priorities and pace yourself after any disaster that leaves you with a mess to clean up. The natural tendency is to do too much too soon.