Don’t ignore dangers of extreme heat

lt didn’t take an official pronouncement to prove the point, but AccuWeather made one anyway: The region is in a heat wave.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) defines a heat wave as “a period of unusually hot weather that typically lasts two or more days” and also notes that, in order to qualify as a heat wave, “temperatures have to be outside the historical averages for a given area.”

In the Northeast, meteorologists typically define a heat wave as at least three consecutive days on which high temperatures reach 90 F or greater. And, our region is currently looking at a forecast with at least five days in that range, with the weekend anticipated temperatures nearing 100.

Some may see the current conditions as reason to call for more action to combat climate change, and others may call up record temps of past years to argue that this is nothing new, but neither argument will help much when you’re withering outdoors. The weather doesn’t care much about beliefs or stances — it’s hot for everybody.

It’s also equally dangerous and deserving of care and attention.

According to the American Red Cross, extreme heat is the most dangerous type of weather event in the U.S. and can lead to severe illness and death. Young children, the elderly and chronically ill are the most vulnerable.

The Red Cross offers reminders, many of which we’ve heard before, but that bear repeating because of the serious consequences of ignoring or forgetting:

• Never leave children or pets inside a vehicle unattended. The inside temperature of the car can quickly reach 120 degrees.

• Stay hydrated, drink plenty of fluids. Avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol.

• Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing. Avoid dark colors as they absorb the sun’s rays.

• Slow down, stay indoors. Avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day. Take frequent breaks if working outdoors.

• Check on family, friends and neighbors who do not have air conditioning, who spend much of their time alone or who are more likely to be affected by the heat.

If you don’t have air conditioning, follow these tips to help keep your home as cool as possible.

• Use fans to circulate the air, keeping you feeling cooler at higher temperatures.

• Try to stay in rooms that don’t receive direct sunlight as much as possible. Use blinds or shades to block the sunlight from coming in windows.

• Wait to use appliances like dryers and dishwashers until it is cooler.

Excessive heat can lead to sunburn, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

If someone is exhibiting signs of heat exhaustion (cool, moist, pale or flushed skin, heavy sweating, headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness exhaustion), have them move to a cooler place, remove or loosen tight clothing and spray themselves with water or apply cool, wet cloths or towels to their skin. If they are conscious, ask them to drink small amounts of cool water. Make sure the person drinks slowly. Watch for changes in condition. If the person refuses water, vomits or begins to lose consciousness, call 9-1-1.

Signs of heat stroke include hot, red skin which may be dry or moist; changes in consciousness; vomiting and high body temperature. Call 9-1-1 immediately if someone shows signs of heat stroke. Move the person to a cooler place if possible. Douse or spray the person with cold water, or cover the person with cold, wet towels or bags of ice.

Check on animals frequently to ensure that they are not suffering from the heat. Make sure they have plenty of shade and cool water.

Signs of heat stroke in your pet are: heavy panting and unable to calm down, even when lying down; brick red gum color; fast pulse rate; or unable to get up. Bring your pet to a veterinarian as soon as possible as heat stroke can lead to severe organ dysfunction and damage.

Check frequently on elderly or disabled relatives and neighbors — and your pets — to be certain they’re in safe conditions when heat hits. Heat-related illness can occur rapidly and with devastating results. Be prepared and be safe.