The effects of extreme heat can undermine your physical well-being so slowly and subtly that the dangers are not apparent until it is too late. Are you at risk from heat?
The heat index is not the actual air temperature, but rather, the combination of air temperature and humidity that gives a description of how the temperature feels.
Apparent Temperature Readings
- Caution - 85 to 94°F - physical activity may cause fatigue
- Extreme Caution - 95 to 105°F - possible heat cramps and/or heat exhaustion with prolonged exposure
- Danger - Above 105°F - possible heat stroke with prolonged exposure; heat exhaustion and heat cramps likely
The body's response to overexposure to high temperature and high humidity could be in the form of the following:
- Severe Sunburn - reduces the skin's ability to release excess heat, making the body more susceptible to heat-related illness
- Heat Cramps - muscle pains and spasms, usually of the extremities, caused by heavy exertion, which triggers loss of water through heavy perspiration
- Heat Exhaustion - a mild form of shock marked by heavy sweating, weakness, cold, clammy skin, a weak pulse, fainting and vomiting
- Heat Stroke (also called Sunstroke) - a truly life-threatening condition in as an individual's body temperature is greater than 105 degrees, the skin is hot and dry, there is a rapid and irregular pulse, perspiration has stopped, and one has lost consciousness
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