Monsoon Awareness: Extreme Heat
The time period from June 15th through September 30th has been defined as “The Monsoon.” A period of extreme heat which is followed by an influx of moisture leading to daily rounds of thunderstorms.
According to the National Weather Service heat is one of the leading weather-related killers in the United States, resulting in hundreds of fatalities each year and even more heat-related illnesses. The heat is no stranger to the Borderland. Most summers are spent in the upper 90s with several 100 degree days.
Typically, 14 days a year the temperature peaks at 100 degrees or higher. During boiling Borderland days when your body heats too rapidly to cool itself properly, or when too much fluid or salt is lost through dehydration or sweating, body temperature rises. Be mindful of heat-related illnesses and protect yourself.
Please keep in mind It is never ok to leave kids or a pet locked in a car, The NWS reports that 11 toddlers have died in hot cars in 2019.
Signs of Heat Illness:
–Heat Exhaustion
Symptoms:
Heavy sweating
Weakness
Cool, pale, clammy skin
Fast, weak pulse
Possible muscle cramps
Dizziness
Nausea or vomiting
Fainting
First Aid:
Move person to a cooler environment
Lay the person down and loosen clothing
Apply cool, wet cloths to as much of the body as possible
Fan or move victim to the air-conditioned room
Offer sips of water
If a person vomits more than once, seek immediate medical attention.
–Heat Stroke
Symptoms:
Altered mental state
One or more of the following symptoms: throbbing headache, confusion, nausea, dizziness, shallow breathing
Body temperature above 103 F
Hot, red, dry or moist skin
Rapid and strong pulse
Faints lose consciousness
First Aid:
Heat stroke is a severe medical emergency. Call 911 or get the victim to a hospital immediately. Delay can be fatal.
Move the victim to a cooler, preferably air-conditioned, environment.
Reduce body temperature with cool cloths or bath.
Use a fan if heat index temperatures are below the high 90s. A fan can make you hotter at higher temperatures.
Do NOT give fluids.
Source: https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/extreme heat/warning.html
Heat Safety Tips: https://www.weather.gov/safety/heat
