What is Heat Index and why is it important to you?
Did you know that Heat is one of the leading weather-related killers in the United States, resulting in hundreds of fatalities each year?
What is a Heat Index and why don’t all the weather forecasters just tell us the temperature?
According to the National Weather Service, “The Heat Index is a measure of how hot it really feels when relative humidity is factored in with the actual air temperature.” As the heat index gets higher, the weather feels hotter and our sweat doesn’t evaporate and cool the skin. This affects how the body naturally cools itself. When this happens, the body temperature rises and you are at risk for a heat related illness. This can range from heat cramps to heat stroke. The more serious heat stroke can lead to death. Seek immediate medical attention for heat-related illnesses.
To find the Heat Index temperature, look at the Heat Index chart below. As an example, if the air temperature is 96°F and the relative humidity is 65%, the heat index-how hot it feels-is 121°F.
Here are some safety tips during those long hot summer days when the heat and humidity lead to high heat indexes:
- Stay inside in the nice cool air conditioning.
- Drink plenty of fluids. Water is the best, but you can also drink other non-alcoholic and decaffeinated liquids.
- Slow down and limit your outdoor activities to when it’s coolest, or stay inside a nice cool building.
- Wear lightweight clothes that are in lighter colors.
- Watch what you eat. Some foods can increase metabolic heat production and can increase water loss.
- Limit your exposure to the sun. Even sunbathing is dangerous during days with high heat indexes.
For more tips, consult with your physician. Keep a close eye on children and the elderly. Check on your neighbors, and contact emergency personnel if you suspect someone is suffering from a heat related illness.
This is for information purposes only and not for use in the treatment of heat related illnesses. It does not include all of the information available. If you or someone you know has a heat related illness, you should call your local emergency number (such as 911).
Source information: OSHA; National Weather Service - NOAA
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