fsu.edu | emergency management

* WHAT IS A HEAT WAVE?: A heat wave is an extended time interval of abnormally and uncomfortably hot and unusually humid weather. To be a "heat wave" such a period should last at least one day, but conventionally it lasts from several days to several weeks.

* WHAT IS THE HEAT INDEX?
The heat index is the "APPARENT TEMPERATURE" that describes the combined effect of high air temperature and high humidity. The higher this combination, the more difficult it is for the body to cool itself. If you work outdoors, it is critical that you remain aware of the heat index and take the appropriate precautions.

* NEVER LEAVE CHILDREN OR PETS IN A PARKED CAR: The temperature can raise to 135 degrees in less than ten minutes, which can cause death to children or pets. If you see a child or pet left unattended in a parked car, you should call 9-1-1 and alert authorities.

* SLOW DOWN: Strenuous activities should be reduced, eliminated, or rescheduled to the coolest time of the day. Individuals at risk should stay in the coolest available place, not necessarily indoors.

* DRESS FOR SUMMER: Lightweight, light-colored clothing reflects heat and sunlight, and helps your body maintain normal temperatures.

* DRINK PLENTY OF WATER: Your body needs water to keep cool. Drink plenty of fluids even if you don't feel thirsty. Persons who (1) have epilepsy or heart, kidney, or liver disease, (2) are on fluid restrictive diets, or (3) have a problem with fluid retention should consult a physician before increasing their consumption of fluids.

* DON'T DRINK ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES: Alcohol dehydrates the body more than it replenishes fluids.

* DON'T TAKE SALT TABLETS UNLESS SPECIFIED BY A PHYSICIAN: Persons on salt restrictive diets should consult a physician before increasing their salt intake.

* SPEND MORE TIME IN AIR-CONDITIONED PLACES: Air conditioning in homes and other buildings markedly reduces danger from the heat. If you cannot afford an air conditioner, spending some time each day (during hot weather) in an air conditioned environment affords some protection.

* DON'T GET TOO MUCH SUN: Sunburn makes the job of heat dissipation that much more difficult.

* THOSE WHO ARE AT GREATEST RISK OF HEAT ILLNESS:

- Infants and children up to four years of age.
- People 65 years of age or older.
- People who are overweight.
- People who overexert during work or exercise.
- People who are ill or on certain medications.

For More Information:

* HEAT INDEX MAP - Courtesy ©Unisys Corp.

* HIGH TEMPERATURE MAP - Courtesy ©Unisys Corp.

* HOW TO CALCULATE HEAT INDEX:


		R E L A T I V E H U M I D I T Y %
		40%	45%	50%	55%	60%	65%	70%	75%	80%	85%	90%	95%	100%
A I R T E M P E R A T U R E F°	110°	136
	108°	130	137					HEAT INDEX (APPARENT TEMPERATURE)
	106°	124	130	137
	104°	119	124	131	137
	102°	114	119	124	130	137
	100°	109	114	118	124	129	136
	98°	105	109	113	117	123	128	134
	96°	101	104	108	112	116	121	126	132
	94°	97	100	102	106	110	114	119	124	129	136
	92°	94	96	99	101	105	108	112	116	121	126	131
	90°	91	93	95	97	100	103	106	109	113	117	122	127	132
	88°	88	89	91	93	95	98	100	103	106	110	113	117	121
	86°	85	87	88	89	91	93	95	97	100	102	105	108	112
	84°	83	84	85	86	88	89	90	92	94	96	98	100	103
	82°	81	82	83	84	84	85	86	88	89	90	91	93	95
	80°	80	80	81	81	82	82	83	84	84	85	86	86	87

With Prolonged Exposure and/or Physical Activity

EXTREME DANGER	DANGER	EXTREME CAUTION	CAUTION
Heat Stroke or Sun Stroke highly likely	Sun Stroke, Muscle Cramps, and/or Heat Exhaustion likely	Sun Stroke, Muscle Cramps and/or Heat Exhaustion possible	Fatigue Possible

HEAT DISORDERS, SYMPTOMS, & FIRST AID:

SUNBURN

Symptoms:
Skin redness and pain, possible swelling, blisters, fever, headaches.

First Aid:
Take a shower, using soap, to remove oils that may block pores preventing the body from cooling naturally. If blisters occur, apply dry, sterile dressings and get medical attention.

HEAT CRAMPS

Symptoms:
Painful spasms usually in leg and abdominal muscles. Heavy sweating.

First Aid:
Firm pressure on cramping muscles or gentle massage to relieve spasm. Give sips of water. If nausea occurs, discontinue.

HEAT EXHAUSTION

Symptoms:
Heavy sweating, weakness, skin cold, pale and clammy. Weak pulse. Normal temperature possible. Fainting, vomiting.

First Aid:
Get victim to lie down in a cool place. Loosen clothing. Apply cool, wet cloths. Fan or move victim to air-conditioned place. Give sips of water. If nausea occurs, discontinue. If vomiting occurs, seek immediate medical attention.

HEAT STROKE

Symptoms:
High body temperature (106+). Hot, dry skin. Rapid, strong pulse. Possible unconsciousness. Victim will likely not sweat.

First Aid:
Heat stroke is a severe medical emergency. Call 9-1-1 or emergency medical services or get the victim to a hospital immediately. Delay can be fatal. Move victim to a cooler environment. Try a cool bath or sponging to reduce body temperature. Use extreme caution. Remove clothing. Use fans and/or air conditioners. DO NOT GIVE FLUIDS.


	Units Building and Construction Safety Industrial Hygiene Research Support and Environmental Compliance Risk and Insurance Services Emergency Management Building Code Fire Safety Biological Safety Chemical Safety Laboratory Safety Radiation Safety Risk Management Workers' Compensation	Policies and Procedures OP-G-1 Environmental Health & Safety OP-G-2 Industrial Hygiene OP-G-3 Biological Safety OP-G-4 Chemical Safety OP-G-5 Laboratory Safety OP-G-6 Radiation Safety OP-G-7 Building and Construction Safety OP-G-8 Fire Safety OP-G-9 Emergency Management OP-G-10 Insurance, Risk Management, and Workers' Compensation OP-G-11 Training	Forms General Insurance Fire Safety Industrial Hygiene Building Code Administration Research Support and Environmental Compliance Biological Safety Chemical Safety Laboratory Safety Radiation Safety Workers' Compensation	Training Available Classes Online Training Training Calendar Request Training	Miscellaneous Newsletter Safety Links