The heavens declare the glory of God;
the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
-Psalm 19:1

Do you know that God controls the clouds and makes his lightning flash?
-Job 37:15



Thursday, June 25, 2009

Heat is THE NUMBER ONE weather-related killer!

SKY WATCH FRIDAY time! I am busy busy with stimulus yuck, so I might not get a chance to say hi. Please don't take offense. Our hosts: Klaus Sandy Ivar Wren Louise Fishing Guy

Thanks, also,to Dot and Tom, who were instrumental in the success of this blogging event. You should definitely come fly with us!

Well, since the big weather story right now is the ferocious heat, I figure I will share a refreshing pic... Yes, folks, all over the country's mid-section, high temperature records are being obliterated, along with concrete on the highways, as the mercury climbs from Louisiana on up to Canada, where concrete highway blocks are buckling in the extreme heat. Heat indices place many of these areas in the triple digits.HEAT IS THE NUMBER ONE WEATHER-RELATED KILLER!!!

On average, more than 1,500 people in the U.S. die each year from excessive heat. This number is greater than the 30-year mean annual number of deaths due to tornadoes, hurricanes, floods and lightning combined. In the 40-year period from 1936 through 1975, nearly 20,000 people were killed in the United States by the effects of heat and solar radiation. ~source(really... an interesting website)
Didn't know that, did you? Excessive heat warnings (AN EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING IS ISSUED WHEN 4 OR MORE CONSECUTIVE DAYS OF HEAT ADVISORY CRITERIA ARE EXPECTED TO BE MET...OR IF HIGH HUMIDITIES ARE EXPECTED TO COMBINE WITH HOT TEMPERATURES TO MAKE IT FEEL LIKE IT IS 110 DEGREES OR GREATER.) are being issued all over the central plains because of multiple days of heat indicies in excess of 110°F. What should you do to protect yourself from dangerous heat??
AVOID PROLONGED WORK IN THE SUN
DRINK PLENTY OF FLUIDS
STAY IN AN AIR CONDITIONED ROOM
CHECK UP ON RELATIVES AND NEIGHBORS (ESPECIALLY INFANTS OR YOUNG CHILDREN, ELDERLY AND THE SICK)
WEAR LIGHT-WEIGHT, LIGHT COLORED, LOOSE FITTING CLOTHING
DO NOT LEAVE CHILDREN OR PETS IN CLOSED, PARKED VEHICLES (FOR ANY AMOUNT OF TIME)
REST OFTEN IN SHADY AREAS
WEAR A HAT, SUNGLASSES AND SUNSCREEN
So, you know about prevention, but you should also learn to recognize signs of heat related disorders:

1. SUNBURN: Redness and pain. In severe cases swelling of skin, blisters, fever, headaches. First Aid: Ointments for mild cases if blisters appear and do not break. If breaking occurs, apply dry sterile dressing. Serious, extensive cases should be seen by physician.

2. HEAT CRAMPS: Painful spasms usually in muscles of legs and abdomen possible. Heavy sweating. First Aid: Firm pressure on cramping muscles, or gentle massage to relieve spasm. Give sips of water. If nausea occurs, discontinue use.

3. HEAT EXHAUSTION: Heavy sweating, weakness, skin cold, pale and clammy. Pulse thready. Normal temperature possible. Fainting and vomiting. First Aid: Get victim out of sun. Lay down and loosen clothing. Apply cool, wet cloths. Fan or move victim to air conditioned room. Sips of water. If nausea occurs, discontinue use. If vomiting continues, seek immediate medical attention.

4. HEAT STROKE (or sunstroke): High body temperature (106° F or higher). Hot dry skin. Rapid and strong pulse. Possible unconsciousness. First Aid: HEAT STROKE IS A SEVERE MEDICAL EMERGENCY. SUMMON EMERGENCY MEDICAL ASSISTANCE OR GET THE VICTIM TO A HOSPITAL IMMEDIATELY. DELAY CAN BE FATAL. Move the victim to a cooler environment Reduce body temperature with cold bath or sponging. Use extreme caution. Remove clothing, use fans and air conditioners. If temperature rises again, repeat process. Do not give fluids.
~source
Heat is a serious issue that should be taken very seriously. On average heat kills more than the 30-year mean annual number of deaths due to tornadoes, hurricanes, floods and lightning combined. Heat can pose a serious threat to your life.

Stay cool!
~Dewdrop

41 comments:

  1. great post.
    i am so over this heat wave already. we've been in the 90s for several days. so wishing for the rain storms again :)
    have a lovely evening.

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  2. Heat. Wave. As in this New Englander waving to the country's midsection a hello from the cool belt. Surreal reading for me!

    I loved the photo. It warmed me up.

    And I love that wild one below it!

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  3. What an informative post. We have been having our mini heating up here in the bay although today we have welcomed the fog back so it's quite cool, you know light sweater weather. I can see from your map how good we have it here, only 68 in sf.

    Yeah, I posted early this week.

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  4. Great post. I love storms but have never chased one. Yet. :-)

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  5. You are definitely cool - as is your photo!Great post. S

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  6. Great post!!!
    You can never be too careful when dealing with the heat.
    Very pretty picture too!!
    Take care and Happy SWF

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  7. Thanks for all the great tips. Wow - looking at the map of temperatures really puts the heat into perspective. It's amazing to think that the entire country is experiencing this kind of weather!

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  8. Beautiful sunset! It's kind of hot here in Norway too, though not anywhere near your weatherforecast...

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  9. Great post, great tips and a stunning capture! Incredible colors and that path across the water is breathtaking!

    Happy SWF!

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  10. Great photo, thanks for the info. I am so into those moderate temps - not too hot, not too cold!

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  11. Welcome, Summer.
    Here. welcome, Winter
    Luiz Ramos

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  12. Great photo and interesting post again!I like such moderate temperatures.Have a nice weekend!

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  13. Lovely photo for sky watch friday, thanks for adding to the party.

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  14. Beautiful sky and picture!
    Gr.
    P-TER

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  15. I had no idea extreme heat causes more deaths than tornadoes, hurricanes, lightning and floods combined. That is amazing!

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  16. Wonderful picture Dew Drop.Busy you are take care of your self.

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  17. I had no idea heat causes more deaths than tornadoes, hurricanes, lightning and floods combined.
    Impressive!

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  18. Your fiery sky and its reflection are so very beautiful!

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  19. Hi Dew! Canada checking in - and yes, it's "bloody awful hot" as the saying goes up here!! Love your refreshing pic!!

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  20. Yes, we had temps at 100 or more for 7 straight days!!!!!!!!!

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  21. WOW! Coming from Australia I would have thought the heat wouldn't be as bad here but I was wrong! I don't think we get as many heat related deaths though, that I know of.

    I love your photo, really captures the heat!

    My Skywatch is here

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  22. Yup its that time of year, its even hot up here. I love it. Great pic once again.

    Have a great weekend
    Guy
    Regina In Pictures

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  23. Intersting post,and the photo is beautiful.

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  24. Beautiful sunset shot. Great info here.

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  25. We got our first flush of heat this week and as usual so many have sunburn and heat exhaustion. Excellent write up I hope people will take note.

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  26. Good reminder about the dangers of heat.

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  27. Hi Dew
    How interesting.... we get a bit of a warning but nothing like this.. I have aways admired you and your blog, it because of posts such as this... you think of others and go that extra mile with your posts. Thank you
    Tom
    My post are: Sky Blue and Sky Poem

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  28. Wonderful informative post. After a heat stroke heat intolerance is even more profound than before... also for animals.

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  29. Regardless of the temperature, that is just a wonderful shot! Your post is always informative, as usual!

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  30. Wishing you a cool breeze.
    Wonderful capture of light in the sky.

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  31. Hi there, a nice skywatch picture here..... Love the sunburst!!

    Have a nice SWF

    Greetings from NL

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  32. I am always amused by US weather maps, they always make it look like weather stops when you get to the Canadian border. We are expecting our warm spell next week. Right now we are getting some much needed rain. I invite you so come see some low flying clouds. -- Margy

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  33. Great post. Went golfing yesterday was in 90"s Was a 4 G2 event. To cool off I put some snow and ice on my skywatch post

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  34. I LOVE sunset pics. Yours is very beautiful.

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  35. Dew: Beautiful sun capture today for SWF.

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  36. Thanks for the tips! Very informative Skywatch as always. We got a nice, cooling shower yesterday. Yay!

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  37. Mmmm, I'd LOVE to swimming in that water right now. It's warm and sultry here in London but our temperatures are nothing like as punishing as those you are suffering in the USA! Having experienced heat exhaustion more than once I can confirm that no-one should treat hot weather casually. I hope that somehow you all manage to have a cool and pleasant weekend :)

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  38. You are right it has been so hot lately. I kinda wish we would see some rain soon! Beautiful picture and it looks refreshing.

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  39. Great post! It's 102, here!

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  40. You're right, we don't give the intense heat the respect it merits. Regardless, your photo looks like exactly what it's felt like here the past few days.

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Dew comment, please...