Extreme Heat - St. Charles County

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when temperatures remain at least five degrees above normal for at least two days or more. It is helpful to be aware of
HEALTH e-NEWS

PREPARING ST. CHARLES COUNTY EXTREME HEAT In January, we started our series on the top hazards impacting St. Charles County residents and businesses. This month focuses on the dangers and complications from long periods of extreme heat.

Summers in our region are well-known for excessive temperatures and extremely high humidity. Extreme heat causes many problems — for people, animals and building infrastructure. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that hundreds of Americans die each year from extreme heat and many more suffer through heat-related stress. Pets react to extreme heat through a reduced appetite and increased respiration. And, with increased usage of air conditioners and cooling devices, there is a higher risk for utility disruptions that further impact our lives. A heat wave is an extended period of abnormally hot and humid weather that lasts for several days to more than a week. It is considered to be an emergency situation when temperatures remain at least five degrees above normal for at least two days or more. It is helpful to be aware of common heat-related weather terms:    

Excessive Heat WATCH – Conditions are favorable for an excessive heat event to occur within the next one to three days. Excessive Heat ADVISORY – Heat index values are forecast to range from 100-104 degrees for at least the next two days. Excessive Heat WARNING – Heat index values are forecast to reach or exceed 105 degrees for at least the next two days. Heat Index – The temperature the body feels when heat and humidity are combined (see chart for examples calculated by the National Weather Service.

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To learn more about St. Charles County’s Department of Public Health, please visit http://www.sccmo.org/PublicHealth.

HEALTH e-NEWS

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Preparing People People suffer heat-related illness when their bodies are unable to compensate for the temperature and cannot cool properly. The body normally cools itself through sweating, but in times of high humidity sweat does not evaporate as quickly. Most heat-related problems occur because an individual is overexposed to conditions or over-exerts themselves in hot weather. However, some people — including the elderly, the very young and individuals with mental illness or chronic disease — are at higher risk for complications. When the body temperature becomes too high, damage to the brain and other organs can occur. Here are a few hot weather health dangers:  Heat cramps are muscle aches or spasms due to over-exertion during hot weather. These are the first indications of heat-related problems, caused by a depletion of salts and liquids in the body. Heat cramps can be treated by stopping the activity, seeking a cool place to rest for several hours, and drinking a cool, non-alcoholic drink to hydrate.  Heat exhaustion signs include heavy sweating, weakness, cold and clammy skin, a fast, yet weak pulse, nausea or vomiting and fainting. Those experiencing these symptoms should rest in a cool place for several hours and drink cool, non-alcoholic fluids. If vomiting occurs, seek medical attention.  Heat stroke is a life-threatening condition that causes the body’s system to shut down. Brain damage can occur. Symptoms include a body temperature above 103 degrees, hot, red and moist or dry skin, rapid pulse and unconsciousness. Those experiencing these symptoms must seek medical attention immediately — do not take fluids unless told to do so by a medical professional. Tips for Preventing Heat-Related Illness Take these simple steps to protect you, your family and your pets during a heat wave:  Stay indoors, in an air-conditioned location, whenever possible. A list of heat-relief shelters in the area is available through the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.  Wear light-weight, loose-fitting clothing and choose light colors.  Drink more fluids – preferably water. Do not wait until thirsty to hydrate.  Avoid liquids containing alcohol, caffeine or large amounts of sugar, as these can cause the body to lose fluids more quickly.

Preparing Pets As hot and miserable as extreme temperatures can be for people, pets are even more affected by heat and humidity — especially if they are used to being inside where the climate is controlled. (CONTINUED ON PAGE 3)

To learn more about St. Charles County’s Department of Public Health, please visit http://www.sccmo.org/PublicHealth.

HEALTH e-NEWS

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Dogs and cats cannot sweat like humans do to cool off; they pant instead. While each animal has its own tolerance for hot weather, owners should monitor pets when it is hot, as they cannot communicate suffering. Symptoms of overheating include heavy panting, lethargy, glazed eyes, lack of coordination, vomiting and difficulty breathing. If you observe any of these symptoms, take steps to cool your pet and consult a veterinarian. Here are a few things owners can do to make their pets more comfortable:  Provide a cool shelter. – Ideally, dogs or cats should be kept in air-conditioned comfort in hot weather. A dog house in a shady, well-ventilated area can keep pets cooler if they must remain outside.  Check water bowls often – Pets may need more water to stay hydrated. Add an ice cube or a flavored “pupsicle” to the bowl for a fun treat.  Change the routine – Consider moving outside time for pets to earlier in the day or later in the evening when temperatures are cooler.  Use sunscreen – For dogs white or pale in color, apply a fragrance-free sunscreen — especially on the nose. Dogs can get a sunburn just like people.

Take Them or Leave Them NEVER, EVER leave children or pets in a parked vehicle. Even when temperatures are in the 70s and 80s, heat inside a vehicle can rise to dangerous levels within minutes. Please watch the video at the right for a demonstration on how quickly temperatures can escalate inside a closed vehicle. Leaving windows open does not significantly decrease this rapid heat rise.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION – EXTREME HEAT READY.GOV – EXTREME HEAT NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE - HEAT SAFETY SCC DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH – PREVENTING SUN DAMAGE This article was published as a part of St. Charles County’s Health eNews in JUNE 2017.

To learn more about St. Charles County’s Department of Public Health, please visit http://www.sccmo.org/PublicHealth.