|
|
|
 |
Listen to NOAA Weather Radio,
commercial TV or radio, or cable TV for the latest forecasts and heat
index values.
-
Slow down (reduce outdoor activities),
dress for summer (wear lightweight light-colored clothing), drink
plenty of water or other non-alcohol fluids (check with your doctor
if you are on medications or have a problem with fluid retention),
spend more time in air conditioned places (if your home doesn't have
air condition, spend some time in an air conditioned facility during
the worst of the heat, or sit in a bath tub containing cool water),
and don't get too much sun (sunburn makes it more difficult to cool
off).
-
Keep in mind that the young, elderly,
people on medication, and people with weight or alcohol problems are
at a greater risk during heat waves. Certain medications may "turn
off' the sweating mechanism in some people, thus making it very
difficult for them to cool down by sweating. Use common sense, and
use the buddy system, frequently contact those individuals who are
at a greater risk and help them obtain relief from the heat and
humidity.
|
-
Heat waves usually
consist of high temperatures and high relative
humidity. This combination makes it difficult for
the human body to dissipate heat through the skin
and sweat glands. Sweating will not cool the human
body unless the water is removed by evaporation.
High relative humidity, consequently, retards
evaporation. Certain medications can also make it
difficult for a person to sweat.
-
The National Weather
Service (NWS) uses the "HEAT INDEX" as a measure of
the combined affects of high temperatures and high
relative humidity.
-
Research findings
strongly suggest that HEAT INDEX (HI) values of 90
to 105 degrees make sunstroke, heat cramps, and heat
exhaustion possible with prolonged exposure and/or
physical activity.
-
Research findings
strongly suggest that HI vales of 105 to 130 degrees
make sunstroke, heat cramps, and heat exhaustion
likely with prolonged exposure and/or physical
activity.
-
The NWS issues Heat
Advisories when it expects daytime HI's to equal or
exceed 105 degrees for 3 hours or more while
nighttime HI's equal or exceed 80 degrees, for any
24-hour period.
-
The NWS issues Excessive
Heat Warnings when it expects daytime HI's to equal
or exceed 115 degrees for 3 hours or more while
nighttime HI's equal or exceed 80 degrees, for any
24-hour period. The NWS may issue an "Excessive Heat
Watch" 24 to 8 hours in advance of heat wave
conditions.
|
WISCONSIN
HEAT WAVE FACTS |
|
Wisconsin normally doesn't experience
many heat waves, and is better known for it's cold,
snowy winters. However, killer heat waves have and will
continue to affect the Badger State.
During the summer of 1995, two major, killer heat waves
affected most of Wisconsin. Together, they resulted in
150 heat-related deaths, and probably 300 to 400
heat-related illnesses. This makes the combined 1995
summer heat waves the biggest weather-related killers in
Wisconsin for the past 50 years, far exceeding tornado
deaths.
The 8-day heat wave in June, 1995 claimed 9 lives, while
the 3-day super heat wave of July 13-15 claimed 141
lives (70 directly related and 71 indirectly related).
Most of the deaths occurred in the major urban centers
of southeast Wisconsin, with the elderly and young being
the highest risk groups.
July, 1999, featured heat waves on the 4th and 5th, the
23rd through the 25th, and the 29th through 31st.
Collectively these heat waves were responsible for 20
deaths (12 directly and 8 indirectly). |
|
|
