Summer has officially arrived in the deep south, accompanied by the usual hot temperatures and high humidity levels that come with it.
Officials with Ready.gov, a nationwide public service campaign designed to educate and empower the American people to prepare for, respond to and mitigate emergencies, including natural and man-made disasters, are advising citizens to take precautions in higher heat index conditions to prevent the risk of heat-related illness.
Heat indexes in north Mississippi and across the mid-south topped 100 degrees in early June after some areas received up to nine inches of rain in a 36-hour period.
Ready.gov defines stretches of high heat and humidity with temps above 90 degrees for two or more days as extreme heat. Older adults, children and sick or overweight individuals are at greater risk when those conditions are present.
Heat index, the single value that takes both temperature and humidity into account, can be dangerous for people working or spending extended time outdoors. When the heat index is less than 91-103 degrees, there is a moderate risk level to those individuals and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends taking precautions and heightened awareness. OSHA recommends additional precautions when heat indexes range from 103-115 degrees.
The Ready.gov national safety campaign recommends avoiding strenuous activities in extreme heat conditions, if possible. Wear light clothing and drink plenty of fluids. Check on family members and neighbors and never leave people or pets in a closed vehicle.
Be vigilant for heat cramps, exhaustion or heat stroke. Signs of heat cramps are muscle pain or spasms in the stomach, arms or legs. If these occur, go to a cooler location. Remove excess clothing and take sips of cool sports drinks with salt and sugar. If you are sick and need medical attention, call your healthcare provider first. If cramps last more than one hour, seek medical attention.
Signs of heat exhaustion are heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, dizziness, headache, fainting, nausea and vomiting. If any of these are occurring, go to an air-conditioned place and lie down. Take a cool bath and call your healthcare provider if symptoms worsen or last more than one hour.
Heat stroke occurs with extremely high body temperature, above 103 degrees; red, hot and dry skin with no sweat; rapid, strong pulse; and dizziness, confusion or loss of consciousness. If these signs are present, call 911 or get the person to a hospital immediately. Cool down with whatever methods are available until medical help arrives.
