There’s A Heatwave Coming: Let’s Be Good Neighbors

 

There’s A Heatwave Coming: Let’s Be Good Neighbors

Temperatures are set to soar next week, and summer hasn’t arrived yet. Right now the forecasts are looking for Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday to be the worst with a heat index over 100 degrees each day.

We’re about to get our first Heatwave of the year. Heatwaves are characterized by prolonged periods of excessively hot weather and can pose serious health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the elderly, children, and those with preexisting health conditions. Understanding how to stay cool and recognizing the signs of heat-related illnesses is crucial during these extreme weather events.

Understanding Heat-Related Illnesses

Heatwaves can lead to several heat-related health issues, ranging from mild to severe. The most common include:

1. Heat Cramps: These are painful muscle spasms usually occurring in the legs or abdomen, often due to heavy sweating and loss of salt and fluids.
2. Heat Exhaustion: Symptoms include heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea, headache, and fainting. Immediate cooling and hydration are necessary to prevent the progression to heat stroke.
3. Heat Stroke: This is a medical emergency characterized by a body temperature above 103°F (39.4°C), confusion, hot and dry skin, rapid pulse, and possible unconsciousness. Immediate medical attention is required.

Safety Tips to Beat the Heat

To mitigate the risks associated with heatwaves, follow these essential safety tips:

• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid beverages that can dehydrate you, such as alcohol and caffeinated drinks.
• Dress for Summer: Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing to reflect heat and sunlight.
• Limit Sun Exposure: Stay indoors during peak sunlight hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.). If you must go outside, wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing, and a wide-brimmed hat.
• Use Sunscreen: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 to all exposed skin, reapplying every two hours, or more often if sweating or swimming. Sunburn reduces your body’s ability to dissipate heat.
• Eat: light cool, easy-to-digest foods such as fruit or salads. If you pack food, put it in a cooler or carry an ice pack. Don’t leave it sitting in the sun. Meats and dairy products can spoil quickly in hot weather.
• Drink: plenty of water (not very cold), non-alcoholic and decaffeinated fluids, even if you don’t feel thirsty. If you are on a fluid-restrictive diet or have a problem with fluid retention, consult a physician before increasing consumption of fluids
• Seek Air Conditioning: Spend time in air-conditioned buildings such as libraries, shopping malls, or community centers. If your home lacks air conditioning, consider visiting a cooling center.
• Cool Your Body: Take cool showers or baths, and use damp cloths to cool your skin. Fans can be helpful, but when the temperature is very high, they may not prevent heat-related illness.
• Check on Vulnerable Individuals: Regularly check on elderly neighbors, relatives, and anyone with health conditions that could be exacerbated by heat.

Who’s most vulnerable to extreme heat?

Everyone can be vulnerable to heat, but some more so than others. According to The Impacts Of Climate Change On Human Health In The United States: A Scientific Assessment, the following groups are particularly vulnerable to heat; check in with friends and relatives who fall in one of these populations, especially if they don’t have air conditioning.

• Young children and infants are particularly vulnerable to heat-related illness and death, as their bodies are less able to adapt to heat than are adults.
• Older adults, particularly those with pre-existing diseases, who take certain medications, are living alone or with limited mobility, and are exposed to extreme heat can experience multiple adverse effects.
• People with chronic medical conditions are more likely to have serious health problems during a heat wave than healthy people.
• Pregnant women are also at higher risk. Extreme heat events have been associated with adverse birth outcomes such as low birth weight, preterm birth, and infant mortality, as well as congenital cataracts.

Remember, not everyone can take advantage of air conditioning, for example, someone on a fixed income. Electricity prices being what they are some see it as a luxury they can’t afford.

It is NEVER safe to leave a child, disabled person, or pet locked in a car, even in the winter. If you have a toddler in your household, lock your cars, even in your own driveway.  Kids play in cars or wander outside and get into a car and can die in 10 minutes!

If you are working outdoors

Outdoor workers can be at a higher risk of the effects of excessive heat. The Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) is a good measure of heat stress during outdoor activities; learn more here. See Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) resources and recommended practices when working under hot conditions.

• Drink water often
• Rest and cool down in the shade during breaks
• Gradually increase workload and allow more frequent breaks for new workers or workers who have been away for a week or more
• Know symptoms, prevention, and emergency response to prevent heat-related illness and death
• Check weather forecasts ahead of time to be better prepared.

What is available in Bensalem?

Bucks County will generally call an excessive heat declaration when the temperature is set to exceed 95 degrees by 11 a.m. on two consecutive days, or on any day when the temperature reaches 100 degrees. Declarations will typically follow with excessive heat watches/warnings, etc. from the National Weather Service.

The county lists two cooling centers to use:

Bensalem Branch, Bucks County Free Library – 3700 Hulmeville Rd.
They are open today until 8 PM and open tomorrow from 10 AM–6 PM

Those 55 and older can visit the Bensalem Senior Center at 1850 Byberry Road. For more information, you can call 215-638-7720.

Public areas like indoor malls, grocery stores, and movie theaters are great air-conditioned spots to get out of the heat.

Reach out to your family, friends, and neighbors to ensure they are safe. And don’t forget to check on your pets! 

Heatwaves are growing longer, hotter, and more frequent, and scientists and officials are exploring ways to keep people safe.

We as a community have to do the same.