Southwest District Health Issues Excessive Heat Public Health Advisory for Adams, Canyon, Gem, Owyhee, Payette, and Washington Counties
June 25, 2021 Public Health Advisory Comments Off on Southwest District Health Issues Excessive Heat Public Health Advisory for Adams, Canyon, Gem, Owyhee, Payette, and Washington Counties

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Southwest District Health Issues Excessive Heat Public Health Advisory for Adams, Canyon, Gem, Owyhee, Payette, and Washington Counties                                                   

CALDWELL, IDAHO – Southwest District Health is issuing an excessive heat public health advisory while temperatures exceed 100 degrees for consecutive days in the coming week. A heat advisory means that a period of hot temperatures is expected. Heat is the #1 weather-related killer in the United States. Be safe!

Health Impacts of Extreme Heat

Heat stroke, heat exhaustion, and heat stresses are not uncommon during extremely hot temperatures. In fact, heat stroke is the most serious heat-related illness. Infants and children, older adults (over the age of 65 years), people with chronic conditions and individuals who work outdoors may be more prone to some form of heat stress. Heat stroke occurs when the body becomes unable to control its temperature: the body’s temperature rises rapidly, the body loses its ability to sweat, and it is unable to cool down. Body temperatures rise to 106°F or higher within 10 to 15 minutes. Heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not provided.

Signs and symptoms of heat stroke vary but may include the following:

  • An extremely high body temperature (above 103°F)
  • Red, hot, and dry skin (no sweating)
  • Rapid, strong pulse
  • Throbbing headache
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea

Heat exhaustion is a milder form of heat-related illness that can develop after several days of exposure to hot temperatures and inadequate or unbalanced replacement of fluids.

Signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion vary but may include the following:

  • Heavy sweating
  • Paleness
  • Muscle
  • Tiredness
  • Weakness
  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Fainting
  • Skin: may be cool and moist
  • Pulse rate: fast and weak
  • Breathing: fast and shallow

In the coming days:

  • Drink plenty of water.
  • Seek cooler locations during the day if no air conditioning is available.
  • Limit physical activity
  • Limit exposure to the sun (particularly between 10am-6pm when heat is most powerful)
  • Apply sunscreen, at least SPF 30, at least 20 minutes before going outside.
  • Check on those who might be prone to heat sensitivities.
  • Look before you lock! Never leave children, elderly persons, or pets unattended in enclosed vehicles even for a short time.
  • Keep your A/C regularly maintained and take precautions.
  • Prepare for a power outage (everyone’s A/C is running overtime and might cause a power outage).
  • Play in the water! Turn on your sprinklers! Fill the kiddie pool!
  • Avoid using the oven, plan for meals that do not require using the oven or stovetop (careful, some appliance can raise the temperatures in the house as well as other electronics that are plugged in but not in use).

More resources:

Learn more about extreme heat: https://www.ready.gov/heat

CDC infographic on heat stroke vs. heat exhaustion: https://www.cdc.gov/cpr/infographics/ast-heat.htm

Idaho Power Asks Customers to Conserve Energy During Evening Hours: https://www.idahopower.com/news/idaho-power-asks-customers-to-conserve-energy-during-evening-hours/

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Media Contacts: 

Ashley Anderson           Ashley.Anderson@phd3.idaho.gov
Katrina Williams            Katrina.Williams@phd3.idaho.gov

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