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
Hello Linda,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading your blog and watching your presentation! Very informative. Unfortunately, we are going through extreme weather changes where the heat is becoming dangerous. It is heartbreaking to see all people like construction workers working under this heat; somebody posted a video about this gentleman collapsing while working outside a few weeks ago. This is sad and extremely dangerous. It is a tragic situation for our homeless communities, it can be inhumane too.
As a suggestion, I would like to know more about the root causes of this extreme Texas heat. What are the environmental reasons for it, and what actions can we take to help it somehow? I think this would be helpful to create more consciousness instead of just trying to survive it. Also, knowing what actions are provoking this alteration in our environment would generate awareness and allow us to take action.
Regarding your question, I always carry a cooler with water in the back of my car, do not go out if there is no need for it, try to cover all my windows for the heat does not come through, and conserve energy. I try my best to be more ecological when possible.
Thank you for your excellent presentation!
Hello, Paola!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your insight. I have tons of friends within construction and they always tell me its brutal especially here in Texas. They tell me from the hours of 11am-4pm is the worse to be at. I will most likely add it next time about the causes of how extreme heat happens. I think I would do the same with carrying a cooler in the back of my car so I can hydrate as much as possible. I know now, I do have covers to cover my windshield to help with the temperatures inside my car. It's black interior so it does absorb more heat. On the topic of black surfaces and that it absorbs more heat. I know that I saw a video a couple weeks ago about when they were building/ redoing streets, they would paint the concrete all white instead of having it the normal color. It help cooled the cities down.
Hello Linda
ReplyDeleteGreat post and video. For the period 2004–2018, among all race/ethnicity groups, non-Hispanic whites had the highest number of heat-related deaths ; however, non-Hispanic American Indian/Alaska Natives had the highest rate of heat-related deaths. Based on this, race is considered a predisposing factor for heat exhaustion. The people who are not used to the heat, you're more susceptible to heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion. Traveling to a warm climate from a cold one or living in an area that has experienced an early heat wave can put you at risk of a heat-related illness because your body hasn't had a chance to get used to the higher temperatures.
Hello, Dina
DeleteI do believe that race is a predisposing factor. They talk about adapting to heat, but there is limits on how far you can adapt. I have lived in Texas my whole life, and still each summer, the heat just hits differently. I do know my limits on when to go inside to cool down or when to get more liquids in my system. A lot of those around the areas do not know that, and need to more inform within it. This will help reduce heat-related illness to hopefully reduce deaths as well. I hope that those will be able to watch local news to help with tips they hand out to reduce any HRI.
When working in hot environments, it's important to stay hydrated. Finding ways to keep your body cool like wet towels or shaded breaks can also help. The camp I went to when I was a kid would use frozen grapes and watermelon as an extra snack and hydration technique during our outdoor activities.
ReplyDeleteGreat video. This provides information to those who are not informed about the symptoms and effects of extreme heat. The various agencies mentioned are also great recommendations for further research and information.
Hello, Sophia
DeleteAs a snack in general for me, I like to freeze bananas, grapes, and blueberries to help with the craving and also to help cool down if I was outside for a long time. Thanks for liking the presentation video. I hope you were able to learn more about extreme heat.
Hello Lina,
ReplyDeleteGreat post and video! I think the most important thing someone can do if they work in environments that are extremely hot they should stay hydrated. Another recommendation is not overdoing it and taking breaks. I also believe that the clothing you wear is super important. There are a lot of fabrics nowadays that are light, long sleeve fabrics that protect you from the sun and heat or pants that are lightweight and allow air to penetrate easily. Hats too can be a great help by keeping your neck cool.