Extreme Heat

Residents in Northwest Florida are familiar with extreme heat but can sometimes become complacent. When our bodies are not able to maintain proper body temperature, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke can occur quickly. If you suspect any of these heat-related conditions, seek immediate medical attention.

The 10-year average for heat-related fatalities is 170 per year. Older adults, young children and those who are sick or overweight are most susceptible to heat-related conditions, but anyone can be affected by extreme heat when the human body is pushed beyond its limits.

NOAA's National Weather Service Heat Index Chart

During a Heat Emergency

• Limit exposure to the sun, and stay indoors.
• Stay on the lowest floor in air conditioning. If air conditioning is not available, stay in shaded area.
• Eat well-balanced, light and regular meals. Avoid using salt tablets unless directed to do so by a physician.
• Drink plenty of water. Persons who have epilepsy or heart, kidney or liver disease; are on fluid-restricted diets; or have a problem with fluid retention should consult a doctor before ../increasing liquid intake.
• Limit intake of alcoholic beverages. None is best.
• Dress in loose-fitting, lightweight and light-colored clothes that cover as much skin as possible.
• Protect face and head by wearing a wide-brimmed hat.
• Check on family, friends and neighbors who do not have air conditioning and who spend much of their time alone.
• NEVER leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles.
• Avoid strenuous work during the warmest part of the day. Use a buddy system when working in extreme heat, and take frequent breaks.

Know the Signs:

Heat Cramps - Muscular pains and spasms due to heavy exertion. Although heat cramps are the least severe, they are often the first signal that the body is having trouble with the heat.

Heat Exhaustion - Typically occurs when people exercise heavily or work in a hot, humid place where body fluids are lost through heavy sweating. Blood flow to the skin ../increases, causing blood flow to decrease to the vital organs. This results in a form of mild shock. If not treated, the victim’s condition will worsen. Body temperature will keep rising and the victim may suffer heat stroke.

Heat Stroke - A life-threatening condition. The victim’s temperature control system, which produces sweating to cool the body, stops working. The body temperature can rise so high that brain damage and death may result if the body is not cooled quickly.

Sun Stroke - Another term for heat stroke.