 The National Weather Service has issued excessive heat warnings and
advisories in areas throughout the Midwest for the next several
days. A heat index in excess of 100-105 can be expected in these
areas. It is essential that residents take the necessary precautions
to avoid the harmful effects of the high temperatures.
"A combination of high temperatures and high humidity can create
a dangerous situation for you and your family," said Andrew
Velasquez III, FEMA Region V administrator. "Know the steps you can
take to stay safe in excessive heat, and remember to check in on
family, friends and neighbors, especially those who are elderly,
disabled or have functional needs."
The key to survival is to know what to do before and during a
period of extreme heat.
During extremely hot weather, you should take the following
precautions:
-
Become familiar
with the emergency plans of your community, school, caregivers
and workplace.
-
Stay indoors as
much as possible and limit exposure to the sun.
-
If your home is
without power, consider staying with family or friends or
visiting a local cooling center. Stay on the lowest floor out of
the sunshine if air conditioning is not available.
-
Consider spending
the warmest part of the day in public buildings such as
libraries, schools, movie theaters, shopping malls and other
community facilities that are air-conditioned.
-
Eat well-balanced,
light and regular meals. Avoid using salt tablets unless
directed to do so by a physician.
-
Drink plenty of
water. People who have epilepsy, heart disease, kidney disease
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.
-
Dress in
loose-fitting, lightweight and light-colored clothes that cover
as much skin as possible.
-
Check on family,
friends and neighbors who do not have air conditioning and who
spend much of their time alone. It is especially important to
check on the elderly, disabled and those with functional needs.
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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.
To prepare for extreme heat:
-
Install window air
conditioners snugly; insulate if necessary.
-
Check
air-conditioning ducts for proper insulation.
-
Weatherstrip doors
and sills to keep cool air in.
-
Cover windows that
receive morning or afternoon sun with drapes, shades, awnings or
louvers. (Outdoor awnings or louvers can reduce the heat that
enters a home by up to 80 percent.)
-
Keep storm windows
up all year.
-
If you are without air conditioning,
you can use box fans and ceiling fans to promote air circulation
throughout your home. Circulating air can cool the body by
increasing the perspiration rate of evaporation.
Extreme heat brings with it the possibility of heat-induced
illnesses, including severe sunburns, heat cramps, heat exhaustion
and even heatstroke. Understand your symptoms and take the
appropriate actions, seeking medical attention if your conditions
are severe.
For more information and tips on being ready for extreme heat,
visit www.fema.gov and
www.ready.gov.
[Text from file received from
FEMA Region V] |
