• Extreme Heat Hazard
• How to Protect Yourself                                  
• Heat Related Illness
• Extreme Heat Hazard Terms                             
• Additional Resources
                

Extreme heat kills by pushing the human body beyond its limits. Under normal conditions, the body's internal thermostat produces perspiration that evaporates and cools the body. However, in extreme heat and high humidity, evaporation is slowed and the body must work extra hard to maintain a normal temperature.

Temperatures that hover 10 degrees or more above the average high temperature for the region and last for several weeks are defined as extreme heat. Humid or muggy conditions, which add to the discomfort of high temperatures, occur when a "dome" of high atmospheric pressure traps hazy, damp air near the ground. Excessively dry and hot conditions can provoke dust storms.

There are seasonal patterns to excessive heat waves, with an event most likely to occur in the summer months. Excessive heat can also cause utility outages due to an increased demand for electricity. Utility outages could severely hamper the county’s ability to provide services as facilities become inoperable and must be closed due to a lack of power or water.

• Install window air conditioners snugly; insulate if necessary.
• Check air-conditioning ducts for proper insulation.
• Install temporary window reflectors (for use between windows and drapes), such as aluminum foil-covered cardboard, to reflect heat back outside.
• Weather-strip doors and sills to keep cool air in.
• Cover windows that receive morning or afternoon sun with drapes, shades, awnings, or louvers. (Outdoor awnings or louvers can reduce the heat that enters a home by up to 80 percent.)
• Keep storm windows up all year.

• Stay indoors as much as possible and limit exposure to the sun.
• Stay on the lowest floor out of the sunshine if air conditioning is not available.
• Consider spending the warmest part of the day in public buildings such as libraries, schools, movie theaters, shopping malls, and other community facilities. Circulating air can cool the body by increasing the perspiration rate of evaporation.
• Eat well-balanced, light, and regular meals. Avoid using salt tablets unless directed to do so by a physician.
• Drink plenty of water. Persons who have epilepsy or heart, kidney, or liver disease; are on fluid-restricted diets; or have a problem with fluid retention should consult a doctor before increasing liquid intake.
• Limit intake of alcoholic beverages.
• Dress in loose-fitting, lightweight, and light-colored clothes that cover as much skin as possible.
• Protect face and head by wearing a wide-brimmed hat.
• Check on family, friends, and neighbors who do not have air conditioning and who spend much of their time alone.
• Never leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles.
• Avoid strenuous work during the warmest part of the day. Use a buddy system when working in extreme heat, and take frequent breaks.

Heat Cramps: Cahracterized by painful spasms, usually in leg and abdominal muscles; heavy sweating, clammy skin, headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness, thirst or altered ability to think.  While heat cramps are the least severe of heat related illness, they may be the first sign that your body is having difficulty coping with the heat. 

First Aid: Immediately move to a cool place and rehydrate with water or a sports drink. Lightly stretch and gently massage affected muscles to relieve spasms.

Heat Exhaustion: Heavy sweating but skin may be cool, pale, or flushed. Weak pulse. Normal body temperature is possible, but temperature will likely rise. Fainting or dizziness, nausea, vomiting, exhaustion, and headaches are possible.

First Aid: Get victim to lie down in a cool place. Loosen or remove clothing. Apply cool, wet clothes. Fan or move victim to air-conditioned place. Give sips of water if victim is conscious. Be sure water is consumed slowly. Give half glass of cool water every 15 minutes. Discontinue water if victim is nauseated. Seek immediate medical attention if vomiting occurs.

Heat Stroke (a severe medical emergency): High body temperature (105+); hot, red, dry skin; rapid, weak pulse; and rapid shallow breathing. Victim will probably not sweat unless victim was sweating from recent strenuous activity. Possible unconsciousness.

First Aid: Call 9-1-1 or emergency medical services, or get the victim to a hospital immediately. Delay can be fatal. Move victim to a cooler environment.
Removing clothing, Try a cool bath, sponging, or wet sheet to reduce body temperature. Watch for breathing problems. Use extreme caution. Use fans and air conditioners.

Heat Advisory: Maximum heat index of 105 to 110^oF with a minimum of 75^oF for two or more consecutive days.

Excessive Heat Watch: is issued when conditions are favorable for an excessive heat event in the next 12 to 48 hours. A Watch is used when the risk of a heat wave has increased, but its occurrence and timing is still uncertain. A Watch provides enough lead time so those who need to prepare can do so, such as cities who have excessive heat event mitigation plans.

• If you do not have a functioning air conditioner, keep rooms well-ventilated by opening windows and using fans. Residents in this situation should consider going to an air-conditioned facility, e.g., mall, library, movie theater, public pool, etc.
• If you know of a neighbor who is with air conditioning, especially if they are seniors, have young childeren or people with special needs, a special effort should be made to ensure they are okay.
• During extreme heat emergencies, the county may open cooling centers. If cooling centers are open, call (410) 222-0600 or visit www.aacounty.org to find a center near you. Any (non-emergency) questions related to the heat emergency can be directed to x0600 as well.

• Anne Arundel County Department of Health - Hot Weather Tips
• Department of Health & Mental Hygiene - Heat Emergency Awareness Flyer
• Maryland Department of the Environment - Air Quality Forecast
• Clean Air Partners - Real Time Air Quality and Forecast