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