Welcome back, to Extreme Texas Heat. I hope that yall stayed informed with the blog about the extreme heat here in Texas. As of now, Texas on average currently has more than 60 days of extreme heat a year, with a projection to reach 115 days a year by 2050 (States at Risk, n.d.). Nationally on average, around 702 heat-related deaths occur each year (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], n.d.). It has been rough with the weather conditions but by recognizing and informing others about the dangers of extreme heat, morbidity and mortality can be greatly reduced as heat-related deaths and illnesses can be prevented.
Everyone should continue to learn more about extreme heat and continue to take action. By informing, preparing, and responding to extreme heat, can help with staying healthy and safe in such hazardous conditions. Organizations that help support extreme heat include the United States Department of Homeland Security, which consists of the Federal emergency management agency (FEMA), the American Red Cross, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), The National Weather Service (NWS), and The National of Health (NIH).
Be aware of those around you, if you have any that are vulnerable to the extreme heat such as those who are pregnant, newborns, children, elderly, or chronically ill individuals, check on them to make sure they are doing good. Make sure that they are hydrated, don’t engage in strenuous activities, rest, and stay cool as much as possible. Other groups/factors that are impacted include those who are experiencing homelessness, urban areas by the heat island effect, outdoor workers, low-income families, and the indigenous/black population (Centers for Climate and Energy Solutions, 2021).
Recommendations include staying cool, staying hydrated, and staying informed. Staying cool includes wearing loose clothing such as those that are lightweight and light in color in the summer heat. Stay indoors as much as possible during heat waves, to prevent the body from overheating. Wear sunscreen if out, and know when to re-apply. Staying hydrated includes, drinking enough water such as making sure you have enough electrolytes/minerals in the system. Also stay away from surgery or alcoholic beverages, as it can make you lose more body fluids. Stay informed as much as possible by looking at local news about if there is going to be a heat wave in the area. Check local news/ health stations to see the tips and recommendations for staying safe in extreme heat. Know the signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses and how to properly treat them. If everyone in the community does this, the impact of heat-related illnesses and death can significantly decrease. So why not take action to have a better impact on health in your local community?
As extreme heat is one of the top leading causes of weather-related killers in the United States, It’s important for everyone to watch this awareness video as it talks about what is extreme heat, who it affects, and tips to stay safe. By knowing all the information needed, heat-related illnesses and death can be prevented.
References:
Center for Climate and Energy Solutions. (2021, September 14). Equity in resilience: Addressing the unequal health impacts of extreme heat. Center for Climate and Energy Solutions.https://www.c2es.org/2021/09/equity-in-resilience-addressing-the-unequal-health-impacts-of-extreme-heat/#:~:text=Some%20physiological%20conditions%20can%20make,especially%20sensitive%20to%20heat%20exposure.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Heat & Health tracker. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://ephtracking.cdc.gov/Applications/heatTracker/
States at Risk. (n.d.). Texas Extreme Heat. States at Risk. Retrieved August 7, 2022, from https://statesatrisk.org/texas/extreme-heat