Severe Weather Awareness Extreme Heat and Wildfires

Our final topic during Minnesota Severe Weather Awareness Week is one Minnesotans might not think about very often.

According to the Department of Health (MDH). between 2000 and 2016, 54 deaths were directly attributable to extreme heat in Minnesota.  On July 19, 2011, an all-time heat index record was set in Minnesota.  The air temperature was 93 degrees Fahrenheit and the heat index reached 130 degrees Fahrenheit in Moorhead.

The National Weather Service (NWS) places high priority on alerting the public to heat wave hazards.  Additionally, the MDH has developed an Extreme Heat Toolkit with communications and public health planning strategies to prevent heat-related illnesses and deaths.

The National Weather Service issues the following heat-related products as conditions warrant:

• Excessive Heat Outlooks:  Are issued when the potential exists for an excessive heat event in the next 3-7 days.  An Outlook provides information to those who need considerable lead time to prepare for the event, such as public utility staff, emergency managers and public health officials.
• Excessive Heat Watches: Are issued when conditions are favorable for an excessive heat event in the next 24 to 72 hours.  A Watch is used when the risk of a heat wave has increased but it's occurrence and timing is still uncertain.  A Watch provides enough lead time so that those who need to prepare can do so, such as cities officials who have excessive heat event mitigation plans.
• Excessive Heat Warning/Advisories: Are issued when an excessive heat event is expected in the next 36 hours.  These products are issued when an excessive heat event is occurring, is imminent, or has a very high probability of occurring.  The warning is used for conditions posing a threat to life.  An advisory is for less serious conditions that cause significant discomfort or inconvenience and, if caution is not taken, could lead to a threat of life.
• Heat Index:  NOAA's heat alert procedures are based mainly on Heat Index Values.  the Heat Index, sometimes referred to as the apparent temperature is given in degrees Fahrenheit.  The Heat Index is a measure of how hot it really feels when relative humidity is factored in with the actual air temperature.  To find the Heat Index temperature, look at the heat index chart.  As an example, if the air temperature is 96 degrees Fahrenheit and the relative humidity is 65%, the heat index-how hot it feels- is 121 degrees Fahrenheit.  The National Weather Service will initiate alert procedures when the Heat Index is expected to exceed 105 to 110 degrees Fahrenheit (depending on local climate) for at least 2 consecutive days.
• Heat Disorders:  Heat disorders occur when the body loses it's ability to shed heat through circulation and sweating.  Heat-loss efficiency may diminish with age, but sunburn is a factor at any age because it significantly reduces skin's ability to shed heat.  When heat gain exceeds heat loss, or when the body can no longer compensate for fluids and salt lost through perspiration, the core temperature of the body begins to rise, and heat-related illness may develop.  Heat disorders vary in seriousness, but they share a common cause; in a warm environment, the person has taken exposure or exercise beyond the limits of the body's age and physical condition.
• Never Leave Children, Disabled Adults or Pets in Parked Vehicles!   Each year. dozens of children and untold members of pets left in parked vehicles die from hypothermia.  Hypothermia is an acute condition that occurs when the body temperature absorbs more heat than it can handle.  Hypothermia can occur even on a mile day.  Studies have shown that the temperature inside a parked vehicle can rapidly rise to a dangerous level for children, pets and even adults.  Leavi0ng the windows slightly open does not significantly decrease the heating rate.  The effects can be made more severe on children because their bodies warm at a faster rate than adults.
• Tips for Precenting Heat-Related Illness.  Drink more fluids (non-alcoholic), regardless of your activity level.  Don't wait until you're thirsty to drink.  Warning: If your doctor generally limits the amount of fluid you drink or has you on water pills. ask how much you should drink while the weather is hot.
• Don't drink liquids that contain alcohol or large amounts of sugar-these cause you to lose more body fluid.  Also, avoid very cold drinks, because they can cause stomach cramps.
• Stay indoors and, if possible, stay in an air-conditioned place.  If your home does not have air conditioning, go to the shopping mall or public library, even a few hours spent in air conditioning can help your body stay cooler when you go back into the heat.  Call your local health department or Red Cross chapter to see if there are any heat-relief shelters in your area.
• Electric fans may provide comfort, but when the temperature is in the high 90s. fans will not prevent heat-related illness. Taking a cool shower or bath, moving to an air-conditioned place is a much better way to cool off.
• Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
• NEVER leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle.
• Although anyone can suffer from heat-related illness, some people are at greater risk than others.  Check regularly on:
• Infants and young children
• People aged 65 and older
• People who have a mental illness
• Those who are physically ill, especially with heart disease or high blood pressure
• Visit at-risk adults at least twice a day and watch them for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.  Infants and young children of course need much more frequent attention.
• If you must be out in the heat:
• Limit your outdoor activity to morning and evening hours
• Cut down on exercise.  If you must exercise, drink two-to-four glasses of cool, nonalcoholic fluids each hour.  A sports beverage can replace the salt and minerals you lose in sweat, Warning: If you are on a low-salt diet, talk with your doctor before drinking a sports beverage.  Remember the warning in the first tip (above).
• Try to rest often, in shady areas
• Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat (also keeps you cooler) and sunglasses and by putting on sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher (the most effective products say "broad spectrum" or "UVA/UVB protection" on their labels)

This information was provided by the Center for Disease Control, national Center for  Environmental Health's Health Studies Branch.