Extreme Heat Emergencies

High temperatures and high humidity can make summer days uncomfortable in Kansas. Heat can be a killer. Temperatures above 90 degrees, especially when accompanied by high humidity can cause many medical problems including heat exhaustion, heat stroke, heart failure and stroke.

Take the heat seriously. If you are feeling hot and uncomfortable, use caution, common sense, and take steps to avoid heat stress.

During Hot Weather:

Drink Plenty of Fluids

• Don't wait until you're thirsty to drink. During heavy exercise, drink two to four glasses (16 to 32 oz.) of cool fluids every hour.
• Don't drink fluids that contain alcohol or large amounts of sugar - these actually cause you to lose more body fluid.
• Avoid very cold drinks because they can cause stomach cramps.

Wear Appropriate Clothing and Sunscreen

• Choose lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
• Sunburns affects your body's ability to cool itself, causes body fluid loss, and is painful and damaging to the skin. If you go outdoors, wear a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen with a SPF of 15 or higher applied 30 minutes before you go out. Reapply according to package directions.

Schedule Outdoor Activities Carefully and Pace Yourself

• Limit outdoor activities to morning and evening hours.
• Try to rest often in shady areas.
• If you're not used to working or exercising in the heat, start slowly and pick up the pace gradually.
• If your heart starts pounding and you're gasping for breath, STOP everything and get to a cool area, or at least in the shade. REST, especially if you are lightheaded, confused, weak or faint.

Do Not Leave Children or Pets in Cars

• Even in cool temperatures, cars can heat up to dangerous temperatures very quickly. Even with the windows cracked, temperatures can rise almost 20 degrees within the first 10 minutes.

Use Common Sense

• Avoid hot foods and heavy meals - they add heat to your body.
• Drink plenty of fluids and replace salts and minerals in your body. Don't take salt tablets unless under medical supervision.
• Limit sun exposure during the mid-day hours and places of severe sun exposure, such as beaches and pools.
• Provide plenty of fresh water for your pets, and leave the water in a shady area.