As we approach the warmest stretch of the year, it’s a good time to review safety tips to use in extreme heat conditions. Heat is one of the leading weather-related killers in the United States, resulting in hundreds of fatalities each year and even more heat-related illnesses. (weather.gov/heat). Heat kills by pushing the human body beyond its limits. In extreme heat and high humidity, evaporation is slowed and the body must work extra hard to maintain a normal temperature (ready.gov).
Ready.gov recommends that you:
- Avoid strenuous work during the warmest part of the day. Use a buddy system when working in extreme heat, and take frequent breaks.
- Dress in loose-fitting, lightweight, and light-colored clothes that cover as much skin as possible. Avoid dark colors because they absorb the sun’s rays.
- Protect face and head by wearing sunblock and a wide-brimmed hat.
- Postpone outdoor games and activities.
- Stay indoors as much as possible and limit exposure to the sun.
- Eat well-balanced, light, and regular meals. Avoid using salt tablets unless directed to do so by a physician.
- Limit intake of alcoholic beverages.
- Avoid extreme temperature changes.
- Consider spending the warmest part of the day in public buildings such as libraries, schools, movie theaters, shopping malls, and other community facilities. Circulating air can cool the body by increasing the perspiration rate of evaporation.
We recommend downloading the OSHA / NIOSH Heat Safety App for your Android device or iPhone and reading this National Weather Service brochure to learn how to interpret and prepare for excessive heat watches and warnings.