The American Red Cross wants to encourage people to have to be prepared as Oklahoma is about to see the highest temperatures the state has seen in two years.
As with most other forms of severe weather, there are several key terms that you need to pay close attention to so that you and those you care about can stay safe or know when to call and ask for help.
An Excessive Heat Watch is issued if the potential for extreme heat could occur within the next 24-72 hours.
An Excessive Heat Advisory is issued if the forecasted Heat Index is expected to hit 100 degrees. This type of weather condition increases the potential for heat-related illness.
An Excessive Heat Warning is issued if the forecasted Heat Index is expected to hit or exceed 105 degrees. This type of weather condition significantly increases the potential for heat-related illness.
Spending too much time or overdoing it in extreme heat and humidity makes it hard to stay cool.
Young children, older adults, individuals with chronic medical conditions such as heart disease, individuals taking prescription medicines, outside workers, and those who live alone are more susceptible to the heat and are at greater risk of experiencing a heat-related illness such as:
Heat Cramps - the mildest heat-related illnesses, are involuntary muscle spasms and pain that usually occur in the arms, legs, and stomach.
Heat Exhaustion - is more severe than heat cramps and affects the entire body, not just your muscles. Heat exhaustion occurs when your body is unable to cool itself.
Heatstroke – is the most dangerous of all heat-related illnesses. It develops when the body’s systems are overwhelmed by heat and stop functioning – usually because the signs of heat exhaustion are ignored. Heatstroke can lead to permanent damage to your body’s organs and can be life-threatening.
5 TIPS TO STAY SAFE DURING EXTREME HEAT
- Stay Aware – watch weather warnings and adhere to safety precautions. NEVER leave children or pets in your vehicle.
- Keep Cool – if you do not have a working air conditioner, seek relief during the hottest part of the day in places such as libraries, theaters, or malls.
- Stay Hydrated – Drink plenty of fluids, even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine.
- Limit Outdoor Activity – avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day and wear loose-fitting, lightweight, and light-colored clothing.
- Stay Connected – check on friends, family, and elderly neighbors who may not have air conditioning or live alone.
For more tips and tools on how to prepare for extreme heat, they can be found on the free Red Cross Emergency App.
Trending Stories:
- What do you do if you lose, damage your COVID-19 vaccine card?
- DOWNLOAD the 2 News Oklahoma app for alerts
- HVAC techs navigate busy season with shortages
- FOLLOW 2 News Oklahoma on Facebook
- Jenks Public Schools reopens enrollment for virtual school
Stay in touch with us anytime, anywhere --
- Download our free app for Apple, Android and Kindle devices.
- Sign up for daily newsletters emailed to you
- Like us on Facebook
- Follow us on Instagram
- Follow us on Twitter
