Alabama heat: How to be aware and prepared for hot weather – Gadsden Times

Eric Wright| Contributor

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With soaring temperatures in our area and across the world, its important to take precautions this summer to avoid the dangerous results of heat on vulnerable populations. Its important to plan for the heat, understand the terms officials used to describe conditions and learn the warning signs of someone who is in danger from the hot conditions.

First, you can plan for the heat. Its Alabama and its July, if it wasnt hot, it would be front-page news. So, if you can, plan to do any outdoor activities early in the morning or in the evening. Avoid being out in the sun during midday and in the afternoon when it is hottest. Also, make sure to plan ahead and make sure you have access to cool water and shade. Wear loose-fitting lightweight, light-colored clothing.

Make sure you understand the terms used by officials to describe hot weather. Excessive Heat Watch means that conditions are favorable for an excessive heat event to meet or exceed local excessive heat warning criteria in the next 24 to 72 hours.

Excessive Heat Warning means that the heat index is forecast to meet or exceed locally defined warning criteria for at least 2 days (daytime highs equal 105 to 110 degrees).

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Heat Advisory means that heat Index values are forecasted to meet locally defined advisory criteria for 1 to 2 days (daytime highs equal 100 to 105 degrees).

If we do have some of these conditions, make sure to check on friends, families and neighbors that may not have air conditioning or might be susceptible to the heat.

Every year. more people die from heat-related weather events than tornadoes, floods and hurricanes. If someone is struggling because of the heat, they could have heat cramps in their legs or abdomen. They could have heat exhaustion where they have moist, ashen skin; a headache; nausea; dizziness; weakness and exhaustion.

Heat stroke is the most serious condition and can be life-threatening. It can have serious symptoms like extremely high body temperature; red skin, which may be dry or moist; changes in consciousness; rapid, weak pulse; rapid, shallow breathing; confusion; vomiting and seizures. Someone who is experiencing heat stroke needs emergency medical attention.

So this summer, be aware of the heat, check on folks and plan ahead to avoid the worst of what can be unavoidable here in Alabama.

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Eric Wright is extension coordinator for the Etowah County Extension Office.

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Alabama heat: How to be aware and prepared for hot weather - Gadsden Times