myExtreme weather can be deadly and the deadliest of all is extreme heat. About 1,220 Americans die each year due to extreme heat, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And more Americans die from heat than from any other weather-related hazard, including floods, tornadoes, hurricanes and cold, according to the report. National Metereological Service.
That’s why CDC and NWS have partnered to deploy two experimental tools nationwide that will help public health officials and citizens better prepare for dangerous heat.
“Heat-related illnesses and deaths are preventable,” CDC Director Mandy Cohen said in announcing the new HeatRisk initiative.
HeatRisk, which combines public health and historical temperature data to provide an index that forecasts the potential impacts of heat on the human body, was conceptualized in 2013 and piloted in California before expanding to the western US in 2017. As of this week, it can now be used nationwide.
This is what you should know.
How to use HeatRisk?
There are two tools to access HeatRisk information: Heat Hazard Panel and Heat risk forecast. The forecast tool is a prototype map hosted by the NWS that provides 7-day heat forecasts to help inform decision makers about heat conditions that could be harmful to public health, allowing them to plan responses.
It is also, at least for now, available to the public while the NWS solicits feedback on the tool. “The NWS HeatRisk forecast is something that can be tailored to your particular needs and heat sensitivity, allowing you to track the forecast and take the actions you need to take, when you need them,” the tool says.
The HeatRisk Dashboard, hosted by the CDC, serves the general public and pulls data from the forecast map. Users can enter their zip code for easily digestible, location-specific HeatRisk information. It also provides guidelines and actions people can take to respond to heat.
Who should use HeatRisk tools?
HeatRisk has been used by california schools decide if outdoor activities are appropriate for children, but the new tools can be used by everyone. However, there are several that are especially vulnerable. groups to heat, such as the elderly, very young children, the homeless, low-income households, those whose jobs are primarily outdoors, and those who engage in strenuous activities in high temperatures, for which the HeatRisk Dashboard adapts a guide specific clinic.
What exactly does the HeatRisk tool tell you?
HeatRisk has a five-level color-coded index. One level corresponds to a 24-hour forecast, which considers how unusual the high temperature is, how long the heat will last, and whether those temperatures are associated with elevated risks.
What sets HeatRisk apart from other heat measurement methods is its focus on unusual heat, defined as the warmest 5% of temperatures, specifically for a particular date and location.
There are five heat categories in HeatRisk ranging from 0 to 4: the higher the number, the higher the level of heat concern. Magenta (4) is at the top end, symbolizing the highest risk of heat effects, followed in descending order by red (3), orange (2), yellow (1) and green (0). , which represents little or no risk from the expected heat. Here’s what each category means and how the HeatRisk tool recommends you act accordingly.
green (0)
The heat does not pose any risk and no preventive measures are necessary.
Yellow (1)
This heat could be tolerated by most, with little risk to heat-sensitive groups.
Recommendation: Opening windows at night and using fans to cool the air inside buildings could mitigate the effects.
orange (2)
This heat could be tolerated by many, but visitors to the area who have not acclimatized to the temperature are at risk. Prolonged sun exposure could aggravate the effects.
Recommendation: The HeatRisk tool suggests reducing time in the sun. Indoors, those without air conditioning are advised to use fans and open windows to keep air moving.
red (3)
This heat puts the majority of the population at risk, especially those who carry out activities in the sun or belong to heat-sensitive groups. While rare in the US, it is quite common in the southern region.
Recommendation: The HeatRisk tool says you should reschedule activities for cooler times of the day, stay hydrated, and use air conditioning when possible.
Magenta (4)
This is “a rare level of heat” that would persist for days and put the entire population of that area at risk. Historically, this level of heat has been detected up to a few times a year in the southern regions of the country, especially in the desert southwest. Heat-sensitive groups and those without cooling mechanisms are at risk of death and power outages are likely.
Recommendation: The index strongly recommends considering canceling outdoor activities, using or accessing air conditioning, spending the night in a cool place, and staying hydrated.
What should you do if you are affected by the heat?
Extreme heat-related illnesses include heat stroke, heat exhaustion, and heat cramps. The CDC general advice is to watch for warning signs and monitor those who are at high risk. Also recommended for workers exposed to heat have a friend with them monitor your condition, since heat-induced illnesses can affect cognitive abilities. Here’s what you should know about the most common illnesses and how to respond to them.
Heatstroke
Heat stroke is a medical emergency that can cause death or permanent disability. Signs of heat stroke include body temperature of 106°F or higher, hot or red skin, rapid or strong pulse, headache, dizziness, nausea, loss of consciousness, and confusion. He Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends calling 911 immediately, moving the person to a cooler location, and helping to cool the person’s body temperature as quickly as possible. Patients should not be given alcoholic beverages to refresh themselves.
Heat exhaustion
Heat exhaustion can develop for days after continuous exposure to heat. Signs and symptoms include heavy sweating, cold, clammy skin, fast, weak pulse, nausea or vomiting, muscle cramps, tiredness or weakness, dizziness, headache, or fainting. He Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Advise people with these symptoms to move to a cool place, wear lighter clothing, cool the body with a damp cloth or bath, and drink cold non-alcoholic drinks. Urgent medical help is needed for those who are vomiting or those who have prolonged and worsening symptoms, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
heat cramps
Signs of heat cramps include intense sweating during exercise and muscle pain or spasms. He Centers for Disease Control and Prevention He advises immediately stopping physical activity, drinking water or a sports drink and waiting until the cramps disappear. Medical help is needed if cramps last more than an hour and if the person has heart problems or is on a low-sodium diet.
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