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Heat Emergencies

Be Prepared for the Summer Heat

By Leigh Hall, MD, Deputy Health Officer, Sonoma County Department of Health Services

The heat wave of July 2006 caused at least 136 deaths in California over a 13-day period. Even in Sonoma County, temperatures reached dangerous levels for several days. Global warming means the possibility of hotter and hotter summers, so it is important for everyone to understand the dangers when it gets hot. Heat-related deaths and illnesses are 100% preventable, yet many people get sick or die every year during periods of extreme heat.

Some people are especially likely to get sick when they are in weather that is very hot:

• Infants and children less than four
• People older than 65
• Overweight individuals
• People that do physical work or exercise in heat
• People drinking alcohol
• People with chronic diseases or taking certain medications (e.g., medicines for high blood pressure, depression or sleeping)
• People with trouble moving around (making it difficult to seek out cool locations)
• People with memory loss or confusion, including the mentally ill
• Low income people who can't afford air conditioning or transportation
• Socially isolated individuals, including the homeless and people living alone

Here are some things you can do to keep from getting sick when it gets hot:

• DRINK -- Drink plenty of cool fluids, even if you are not physically active and even if you are not thirsty. If you are physically active, drink 2-4 glasses (16-32 ounces) every hour. Check with your doctor if you are on a fluid-restricted diet. Avoid very cold liquids as they can cause stomach cramps. Avoid liquids with alcohol, caffeine, and large amounts of sugar as these actually increase the loss of body fluid. Drinking fruit juice and sports beverages help replace necessary salt and minerals lost from the body through sweating.
• DRESS - Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. Add a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher) if headed outdoors.
• DECREASE - Limit physical activity and stay indoors in an air-conditioned space (home, shopping mall, library). During an extreme heat wave, listen to the radio to hear where emergency places to get cool are being set up. Electric fans will not prevent heat-related illness when the temperature climbs into the high 90s.
• DEFEND - If working outside in the heat, monitor coworkers and have them do the same for you. Check on the elderly at least twice a day. Check infants and children frequently. Check on those who are overweight or who are ill.
• DEMONSTRATE - Demonstrate common sense. Avoid hot foods and heavy meals. Make sure animals and pets have plenty of fresh water and shade. Consider bringing pets inside and consider wetting down outside animals..
• DON'T -- Do NOT leave people or pets in a parked car for any length of time for any reason.

Following these simple suggestions will help keep you and those you love safe.

For more information, visit these websites:

Extreme Heat: A Prevention Guide to Promote Your Personal Health and Safety
Source: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Heat Emergencies
Source: Sonoma County Department of Health Services.