+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| # Excessive Heat                                                      |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| A [heat wave]{.underline} is a prolonged period of excessive heat,    |
| often combined with excessive humidity. Extreme heat is defined as    |
| temperatures that hover 10 degrees or more above the average high     |
| temperature for the region and last for prolonged periods of time.    |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Under normal conditions, the body's internal thermostat produces      |
| perspiration that evaporates and cools the body. In abnormal heat and |
| high humidity, however, evaporation is slowed and the body must work  |
| extra hard to maintain its normal temperature. The elderly, the very  |
| young, and those who are disabled are at risk from extreme heat.      |
| Also, because men sweat more than women, they are more likely to have |
| difficulty with extreme heat as a result of dehydration.              |
|                                                                       |
| Studies indicate that excessive heat that continues for periods       |
| longer than 2 days causes a significant rise in heat-related          |
| illnesses. Spending several hours each day in air conditioning,       |
| however, can reduce the risk of heat-related illness.                 |
|                                                                       |
| People living in urban areas may be at greater risk from the effects  |
| of a prolonged heat wave than people living in rural regions.         |
| Stagnant atmospheric conditions can trap pollutants in urban areas,   |
| and asphalt and concrete stay warm longer. This phenomenon is known   |
| as the "urban heat island effect."                                    |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| The risks associated with a heat wave can include:                    |
|                                                                       |
| -   [Heat cramps]{.underline}: Muscular pains and spasms resulting    |
|     from heavy exertion. Heat cramps are often the first signal that  |
|     the body is suffering from excessive heat.                        |
|                                                                       |
| -   [Heat exhaustion]{.underline}: A form of mild shock that          |
|     typically occurs when people exercise heavily or work in a hot,   |
|     humid place where body fluids are lost through heavy sweating.    |
|                                                                       |
| -   [Heat/Sun stroke]{.underline}: A life-threatening condition in    |
|     which the victim's temperature control system that produces       |
|     sweating to cool the body stops working. The body temperature can |
|     rise to the extent that brain damage and death may result if the  |
|     body is not cooled quickly.                                       |
|                                                                       |
| Do the following during a heat wave:                                  |
|                                                                       |
| -   [Seek air conditioning]{.underline}. If the home does not have    |
|     air conditioning, persons should seek areas that do. Schools,     |
|     libraries, shopping malls, community centers, and many other      |
|     public places offer good refuges during extreme heat.             |
|                                                                       |
| -   [Avoid strenuous activities]{.underline} during the hottest       |
|     period of the day. Heat-related illnesses can strike quickly,     |
|     especially for those who perform strenuous work during the heat   |
|     of the day.                                                       |
|                                                                       |
| -   [Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing]{.underline}. Light     |
|     colors reflect the sun's rays better than dark colors, which      |
|     absorb the heat. Protect the face and head by wearing a           |
|     wide-brimmed hat.                                                 |
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+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| # Excessive Heat (Continued)                                          |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| -   [Check on family members and neighbors]{.underline} who do not    |
|     have air conditioning or who have medical problems that make them |
|     particularly susceptible to heat-related illnesses.               |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| -   [Drink plenty of fluids]{.underline}. Dehydration can occur       |
|     quickly and can be unnoticed or mistaken for other illnesses.     |
|     Increasing fluid intake, even if not thirsty, can reduce the risk |
|     of dehydration.                                                   |
|                                                                       |
| However, persons who are on fluid-restrictive diets (e.g., those with |
| kidney disease) should consult their doctors before increasing fluid  |
| intake.                                                               |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| You should take the measures below to protect against excessive heat  |
| in the home:                                                          |
|                                                                       |
| -   [Install additional insulation]{.underline}. Insulation helps to  |
|     keep heat out in the summer as well as to keep heat in during the |
|     winter months.                                                    |
|                                                                       |
| -   [Protect windows]{.underline} and glass doors. Consider keeping   |
|     storm windows installed throughout the year.                      |
|                                                                       |
| -   [Use attic fans]{.underline}. Because heat rises, attic fans can  |
|     help clear the hottest air from the home.                         |
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  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
  **Excessive Heat Myths and Facts**

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------

+----------+-----------------------------------------------------------+
| ## Myth: | Stay in the home during a heat wave.                      |
+----------+-----------------------------------------------------------+
| ## Fact: | Air conditioning in homes and other buildings markedly    |
|          | reduces danger from the heat. If you must stay in a home  |
|          | where air conditioning is not available, stay on the      |
|          | lowest floor, out of the sunshine. If possible, however,  |
|          | choose other places to get relief from the heat during    |
|          | the warmest part of the day.                              |
+----------+-----------------------------------------------------------+
| ## Myth: | Beer and alcoholic beverages are best to satisfy thirst   |
|          | in extreme heat.                                          |
+----------+-----------------------------------------------------------+
| ## Fact: | Although beer and alcohol appear to satisfy thirst, they  |
|          | actually cause additional dehydration. Unless you are on  |
|          | a fluid-restricted diet, drink water during a heat wave,  |
|          | even if you don't feel thirsty.                           |
+----------+-----------------------------------------------------------+
| ## Myth: | During extreme heat, the best time to exercise is during  |
|          | the late morning and early afternoon.                     |
+----------+-----------------------------------------------------------+
| ## Fact: | Many heat emergencies occur in those who exercise or work |
|          | during the hottest part of the day. Reduce, eliminate, or |
|          | reschedule strenuous activities. If you must do strenuous |
|          | activity, do it during the coolest part of the day, which |
|          | is usually in the morning between 4 a.m. and 7 a.m.       |
+----------+-----------------------------------------------------------+
| ## Myth: | A sunstroke is not life-threatening.                      |
+----------+-----------------------------------------------------------+
| ## Fact: | A heat stroke or sunstroke [is]{.underline}               |
|          | life-threatening. 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.                                                  |
+----------+-----------------------------------------------------------+
| ## Myth: | You can only get a sunburn on really hot days.            |
+----------+-----------------------------------------------------------+
| ## Fact: | Sunburn (and tanning) result from exposure to ultraviolet |
|          | (UV) radiation, which is distinct from the light and heat |
|          | emitted by the sun. You cannot see or feel UV rays, but   |
|          | they can be quite damaging. UV exposure has been linked   |
|          | to skin cancer and other skin disorders, cataracts and    |
|          | other eye damage, and immune system suppression. UV       |
|          | exposure is a year-round issue, and clouds provide only   |
|          | partial protection.                                       |
+----------+-----------------------------------------------------------+

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