Summer Heat Emergencies

by Daniel · 2024-06-20

Heat Wave

Right now, many places in the United States, like the Midwest, Great Lakes, Northeast, and Mid-Atlantic, are really hot because of a heat wave. This isn’t just uncomfortable; it’s dangerous because it can make people very sick from the heat. The current heat wave poses major health risks, including heat stroke. Over 72 million are under advisories, highlighting the critical need for awareness.

When I was a Drill Sergeant in the Army, we always had to be ready to stop heat injuries before they happened. We made sure everyone drank plenty of water and didn’t stay out in the sun too long, especially during the hottest part of the day. Here are some tips to keep safe during a heat wave.

Drink lots of water:

Keep your body hydrated by drinking water throughout the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty. If you are thirsty and feeling parched, you are already dehydrated. Grab a tall glass of water. I keep an alarm on my phone that goes off every hour from 7 AM to 7 PM. This is my H2O alarm to remind me to drink water. Even an 8oz cup of water every hour is better than none.

Stay in the shade:

Try to stay out of direct sunlight when it’s really hot. Protect your skin from the sun by avoiding direct sunlight between 10 AM and 4 PM. Remember to use sunscreen, wear light clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses to prevent sunburns if you must be outside.

Use fans or air conditioning:

Keeping the air moving can help you feel cooler. If it gets really hot, find a place like an indoor mall, a community center, or a library that has air conditioning.

Check on others:

Make sure that people who might not be able to take care of themselves, like old people, little kids, or pets, are okay to drink water and have a cool place to stay.

Governments are also helping. For example, in New York, they’re opening places where people can go to cool down and telling everyone to have a plan for when it gets really hot. They’re also giving money to ensure there are enough resources and training to handle emergencies like this.

Local Office of Emergency Management:

You can contact your local City or County Office of Emergency Management and ask them about what they are doing in your area to prevent heat injuries and identify places people can go to stay cool.

Remember, if someone looks really sick from the heat like they’re dizzy, extra tired, or acting strange, they need help right away—it could be a heat stroke, which is an emergency.

For those seeking more detailed information and safety tips during this extreme heat period, FEMA provides a comprehensive guide and resources on their website, which can be accessed here.

Additional Information: Is Heat Killing Us?

🌐 Sources

Dehydration – Cleveland Clinic

What are heat-related illnesses – Johns Hopkins Medicine

FEMA Promotes Extreme Heat Safety and Preparedness Ahead of Dangerous Long – FEMA

Ahead of Record-Setting Extreme Heat, Governor Hochul Deploys Statewide Resources – NY.gov

Stay Informed and Stay Safe

Daniel Kilburn

Americas 5-Star Leadership Coach

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