Contractors Outdoor Projects Heat Alert
by A. Montalbano on 07/07/16
Mother nature has no boundaries and just like rainfall in Texas, the heat can put a damper on outdoor activities. Yet, heat-related illness is fatal and requires immediate attention. It is imperative to never underestimate the heat. Never leave children or pets in a car. For outdoor crews, read further to be proactive against the heat; its the law:
Summer is in full swing and temperatures are
on the rise. According to the National Weather Service (NWS), heat is one of the leading
weather-related killers in the United States, resulting in hundreds of
fatalities each year from heat stroke and even more instances of heat-related
illnesses such as heat cramps and heat exhaustion.
Heat stroke is potentially fatal and requires immediate medical attention. Symptoms include extremely high body temperature, red, hot, dry skin, without sweat; rapid, strong pulse; throbbing headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, and unconsciousness. If you believe someone may have heat stroke, call 911. Familiarize yourself with the signs and symptoms of heat stroke other heat related illnesses and treatment with the CDC Extreme Heat Prevention Guide.
The best line of defense against these illnesses is prevention. The Ready Campaign offers the following tips to stay safe when the mercury rises:
- Stay indoors, ideally in a location with air conditioning. If your home does not have air conditioning or if it fails, go to a public building with air conditioning such as a shopping mall or public library;
- Avoid strenuous work or physical activity during the warmest part of the day (typically 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.);
- Cover windows that receive morning or afternoon sun with drapes, shades, awnings, or louvers;
- Dress in loose-fitting, lightweight, and light-colored clothes that cover as much skin as possible; and
- Eat well-balanced, light, and regular meals.
When necessary, NWS issues heat-related alerts to help you prepare for extreme weather conditions. To learn more about these alerts, visit: www.nws.noaa.gov/om/heat/ww.shtml.
