Extreme Heat

HEAT-RELATED DEATHS ARE PREVENTABLE

Prevent heat-related illness by staying cool, staying hydrated, and knowing the symptoms of overheating!
Young children, infants, older adults, pregnant women, and those who work outside are most at risk.

QUICK LINKS
Community Health News	Disease Directory	Heat Emergency	Resources
Tools	Stay Cool	Stay Hydrated	Know the Signs

LOOK BEFORE YOU LOCK!

According to NoHeatStroke.org*, 15 children in Kansas have suffered from Pediatric Vehicular Death.
- Please review and share these safety tips.
It is NEVER safe to leave a child, disabled person, or pet locked in a car!
If you see an unattended child or pet in a hot vehicle, CALL 911!

Look and Lock to prevent heat-related deaths infographic — Click to view or print.

IN A HEAT EMERGENCY

ACTIONS TO TAKE DURING A HEAT EMERGENCY

CALL 911.
COOL the person down with water or ice (or get to shade if you can)
STAY until help arrives!

Signs of a medical emergency, include:

Abnormal thinking or behavior
Slurred speech
Seizures
Loss of consciousness

RESOURCES

Handouts/Printouts

Beat the Heat - Summer Safety Tips: English | Spanish
Heat-related Illnesses English | Spanish
Prevent Health Illness at Work: English | Spanish

For Providers

Chill'd Out Questionnaire Printout
(Patient risk assessment developed by the CDC)

TOOLS

Heat Index

In Kansas, check your local weather, or
Download the OSHA-NIOSH Heat Safety Tool app (pictured below): For Apple* | For Android*
Other States: Find a Cooling Center by State*

Kansas Heat-related Emergency Room Visits

Kansas' Daily Heat-Related Illness Emergency Department Visits Graph*

Did you know?

People living in cities may experience higher temperatures due to the effect of heat islands.

Heat islands occur due to buildings, streets, and sidewalks, making cities feel 2-22 degrees higher than rural areas.

Learn more about heat islands here*.

STAY COOL

Seek shade:

Get under cover when the sun’s rays are strongest between 10 am and 4 pm

Wear protective clothing:

A wide brimmed hat, and UV-blocking sunglasses
Light colored, lightweight, tightly woven, loose-fitting clothing are best
Apply sunscreen generously with an SPF of 30 or higher
- Apply 15 minutes before going outside and reapply every two hours, or after swimming, sweating, or toweling off.

Check the UV index daily:

The higher the UV index, the more you should do to protect yourself.

Spend more time indoors if possible
Take frequent breaks
- Rest in cool, shady areas; use misters or spray bottles with water in them

STAY HYDRATED
(Drink Water)

Drink plenty of fluids!
(e.g., water, sports drinks, etc.).

Avoid alcohol and fluids with caffeine, such as tea, coffee, and soda, as these can lead to dehydration.

KNOW THE SIGNS

See below for a list of common heat illnesses, the symptoms, and what you should do.

Keep the CDC's Heat-related Illnesses (English | Spanish) poster handy.

Signs of a heat-related issues, include:

Abnormal thinking or behavior (agitation, confusion, etc.)
Feeling faint or anxious
Headache
Loss of consciousness
Loss of appetite
Pale, moist skin
Slurred speech
Seizures
Vomiting
Weakness and fatigue

heat exhaustion and heat stroke infographic — Click to view larger.

extremem heat at night poster — Click to view larger.

Heat Illnesses

Types of Heat-related Illness	Symptoms	First Aid
Heat Stroke	Confusion, altered mental status, slurred speech Loss of consciousness (coma) Hot, dry skin or profuse sweating Seizures Very high body temperature Fatal if treatment delayed	Call 911 for emergency medical care. Stay with the worker until emergency medical services arrive. Move the worker to a shaded, cool area and remove outer clothing. Cool the worker quickly, using the following methods: With a cold water or ice bath, if possible Wet the skin Place cold wet cloths on the skin Soak clothing with cool water Circulate the air around the worker to speed cooling. Place cold wet cloths or ice on the head, neck, armpits, and groin; or soak the clothing with cool water.
Heat Exhaustion	Headache Nausea Dizziness Weakness Irritability Thirst Heavy sweating Elevated body temperature Decreased urine output	Take worker to a clinic or emergency room for medical evaluation and treatment. Call 911 if medical care is unavailable. Have someone stay with the worker until help arrives. Remove the worker from the hot area and give liquids to drink. Remove unnecessary clothing, including shoes and socks. Cool the worker with cold compresses or have the worker wash their head, face, and neck with cold water. Encourage frequent sips of cool water.
Rhabdomyolysis	Muscle cramps/pain Abnormally dark (tea or cola-colored) urine Weakness Exercise intolerance Asymptomatic	Stop activity Drink more liquids (water preferred) Seek immediate care at the nearest medical facility. Ask to be checked for rhabdomyolysis (i.e., blood sample analyzed for creatine kinase).
Heat Syncope	Fainting (short duration) Dizziness Light-headedness from standing too long or suddenly rising from a sitting or lying position	Sit or lie down in a cool place. Slowly drink water, clear juice, or a sports drink
Heat cramps	Muscle cramps Pain or spasms in the abdomen, arms, or legs	Drink water and have a snack or a drink that replaces carbohydrates and electrolytes (such as sports drinks) every 15 to 20 minutes. Avoid salt tablets. Get medical help if the worker: Has heart problems. Is on a low sodium diet. Has cramps that do not subside within 1 hour
Heat rash	Red clusters of pimples or small blisters Usually appears on the neck, upper chest, groin, under the breasts, and in elbow creases	Work in a cooler, less humid environment, if possible. Keep the rash area dry. Apply powder to increase comfort. Don't use ointments and cream
Reproduced from About Heat and Your Health (CDC)

MONITORING THE HEAT IN KANSAS

KDHE publishes heat-related emergency department visits:

Daily Heat-Related Illness Emergency Department Visits Graph*

Don't forget about your pets!

If the animal shows symptoms of heatstroke, take steps immediately to gradually lower the body temperature and contact your veterinarian as soon as possible.

hot weather rule for pets infographic — Click to view larger.

If you or someone you know is experiencing difficulty caring for your pet, please reach out to Sedgwick County Animal Control. Options are available for persons in domestic violence situations, persons entering military deployment, and persons in transitional situations. Please call 316-660-7070 to ask about referral options.

* External Link

Sources: No Heat Stroke; Ready.gov; Center for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) Heat Health; National Weather Service; FEMA; National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA): Heat Index; National Center for Healthy Housing