Real Talk!

Man… has it been hot and sticky for the past several days. The Weather Network has been telling us to watch out for “extreme weather”.

No kidding, it’s so hot that the birds have to use tongs to pull worms out of the ground, we’ve discovered that asphalt has a LIQUID state, we’re feedin’ our chickens ice chips so they don’t lay hard boiled eggs and the trees are whistling for dogs!

REMEMBER: Exposure to full sunshine can increase the heat index by 15 degrees F.

Heat can kill, pushing the human body beyond its limits. Usually, the body's natural thermostat causes perspiration that cools the body as it evaporates. In extreme heat and high humidity, evaporation is slower, causing the body to work extra hard to simply maintain a normal temperature.

Elderly people, young children, and those who are ill or overweight are more likely to be badly affected by extreme heat. Men perspire more than women, so they are more susceptible to heat illness as sweating causes them to dehydrate.

Studies indicate that a significant rise in heat-related illnesses occurs when the excessive heat lasts more than two days. Taking a break and spending at least two hours per day in air conditioning helps to prevent heat-related illnesses.

Watch for Signs:

·Heat exhaustion (Occurs when someone is exercising or physically working in hot, humid conditions. This causes excessive sweating and blood rushes into the skin making it flush very pink. Blood flow is cut off from the major organs and can cause shock.) Demonstrated by cool, moist, pale, or flushed skin; heavy sweating; headache; nausea or vomiting; dizziness; and exhaustion. Body temperature may be normal, but is likely rising.

·Heat stroke (Also known as sunstroke.): LIFE THREATENING. You will notice hot, red skin; changes in consciousness; rapid, weak pulse; and rapid, shallow breathing. Body temperature can be very high -sometimes as high as 105 degrees F. If the person was sweating from heavy work or exercise, skin may be wet; otherwise, it will feel dry- this could mean that the temperature control system, which produces sweat to cool the body, has stopped working. The body temperature can rise so high that brain damage and death may result if the body is not cooled quickly.

How to Handle a Heat Emergency:

·Heat stroke: This is a serious, life-threatening situation. Help is needed AND fast. Call 9-1-1. Move the person to a cool place. Quickly cool the body- if possible, immerse victim in a cool bath or wrap wet sheets around the person’s body and fan it. Watch for breathing difficulties. Keep the person lying down and continue to cool the body any way you can. If the victim refuses water, is vomiting, or there are changes in the level of consciousness, do not force anything to eat or drink.

·Heat cramps (muscular pains and spasms due to heavy exertion): Get the person to a cooler place and have him or her rest in a comfortable position. Lightly stretch the affected muscle and replenish fluids. Give a half glass of cool water every 15 minutes. Do not give liquids with alcohol or caffeine in them, as they can cause further dehydration, worsening the situation.

·Heat exhaustion: Get the person out of the heat and into a cooler place. Remove or loosen tight clothing and apply cool, wet towels or sheets. If the person is conscious, give cool water to drink. Make sure the person drinks slowly. Give a half glass of cool water every 15 minutes. Let the victim rest in a comfortable position, and watch carefully for any changes in condition.

What to Do During Extremely Hot Weather:

·Slow down. Avoid strenuous activity including outdoor games and activities. 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. If you must do strenuous activity, do it during the coolest part of the day, which is usually in the morning between 4:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m.

·Avoid too much sunshine. Sunburn slows the skin's ability to cool itself. The sun will also heat the inner core of your body, resulting in dehydration. Use a sunscreen lotion with a high sun protection factor (SPF) rating.

·Avoid extreme temperature changes. Don’t soak in cool or cold water- a cool shower immediately after coming in from hot temperatures can actually cause in hypothermia, especially for the under 7s or over 70s.

·Stay indoors as much as possible. If air conditioning is not available, stay on the lowest floor, out of the sunshine. Even in the warmest weather, staying indoors, out of sunshine, is safer than long periods of exposure to the sun.

·Keep heat outside and cool air inside. Close up and cover anything that may allow heat inside. Install temporary reflectors, such as aluminum foil covered cardboard, in windows and skylights to reflect heat back outside.

·Conserve electricity not needed to keep you cool. During periods of extreme heat, people tend to use a lot more power for air conditioning. Conserve electricity not used to keep you cool so power can remain available and reduce the possibilities of grid outages.

·Vacuum air conditioner filters weekly during periods of high use. Air conditioner filters get clogged with dust and dirt, making them less efficient. Keeping them clean will allow your air conditioner to provide more cool air.

·If your home does not have air conditioning, go to a public building with air conditioning each day for several hours. Air conditioned locations are the safest places during extreme heat because electric fans do not cool the air. Fans do help sweat evaporate, which gives a cooling effect.

·Dress appropriately:

Loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing of
natural fibre that covers as much skin as possible is the
best.

Protect your face and head by wearing a wide-brimmed hat.
A hat will keep direct sunlight off your head and face.
Sunlight can burn and warm the inner core of your body.

·Drink plenty of fluids even if you do not feel thirsty. Injury and death can occur from dehydration, which can happen quickly without you even noticing.

·Take frequent breaks if you must work outdoors. Frequent breaks, especially in a cool area or to drink fluids, can help you tolerate heat better.

·Use the buddy system when working in extreme heat. Partners can keep an eye on each other and can assist each other when needed. Sometimes exposure to heat can cloud judgment. Chances are if you work alone, you may not notice the warning signs.

·Drink plenty of water regularly and often. Your body needs water to keep cool. Water is the safest liquid to drink during heat emergencies.

·Avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine in them. They can make you feel good briefly, but make the heat's effects on your body worse. This is especially true about beer, which actually dehydrates the body.

·Eat small meals and eat more often. Large, heavy meals are more difficult to digest and cause your body to increase internal heat to aid digestion, worsening overall conditions. Avoid high protein foods, such as meats and nuts, which increase metabolic heat.

·Avoid using salt tablets unless directed to do so by a physician. Salt causes the body to retain fluids, resulting in swelling. Salt affects areas of your body that help you sweat, which would keep you cool.

AND PLEASE....

NEVER leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles. Temperatures inside a closed vehicle can reach over 140 degrees F within minutes-+ high temperatures can kill in minutes.