C 104 6-6 The Weather & Natural Disasters

Quiz – How much do you know about heat related illnesses? True/False

1. Sweat is composed of 60 % water and 40% electrolytes.

2. Shock and extreme confusion are symptoms of heat stroke.

3. A body temperature well over 98.6 degrees F causes the heart and other systems to work harder.

4. Drinking water, taking a cool bath, and resting in a shady place are all ways to ease the symptoms of heat exhaustion.

5. Heat illness affects only children and the elderly, not teens.

Quiz continued:

6. A part of the brain called the hypothalamus is in charge of controlling the body’s temperature.

7. Hot and humid weather is the only factor that can cause heat illness.

8. Heat cramps are painful spasms of muscles in the arms, legs, and abdomen.

9. Athletes don’t notice thirst until they’ve lost 15% of their body weight in water.

10. Hyperhidrosis can be treated by health-care providers.

Heat Related IllnessesThe heart has to work harder, pumping more blood toward the skin to help with cooling and puts extra stress on the body

Heat Cramps: As the body overheats, muscles in the legs, arms, or abdomen can spasm. Feels like charley horses and can be pretty painful.

1. Get out of sun2. Drink fluids3. Stretch or massage muscles

Heat Related IllnessNext Stage:Heat Exhaustion: Whole body reacts to

heat, extreme fatigue. May be dizzy, lightheaded, disoriented.

1. Get in shade2. Rehydrate3. Mist with cool water, cool bath

Heat Related Illness

Final PhaseHeat Stroke: can be fatal – body can’t

regulate body temperature. The body’s temperature may rise to 105 degrees F. Symptoms are extreme confusion and shock.

• Call 911• Cool body down until help arrives

Cold Related IllnessesHypothermia: when body temperature

drops below normal; feel drowsy or exhausted.

May shiver, stumble, speak slowly.

Cold Related Illness

Frostbite – blood flow slows and ice crystals form. Nose, toes, fingers, and ears are at highest risk. Happens with lengthy exposure to cold air, wet, or windy conditions.

To Prevent/Treat Cold Related Illness1. Wear multiple layers, gloves (mittens are

better), hat2. Know the signs: skin first pale and numb;

then hard and frozen; blisters, blue, or black skin.

3. Thaw with warm, not hot water, or warm compresses.

4. Sips of a warm drink, not caffeinated-will narrow blood vessels.

5. Get inside and remove wet clothes.6. Don’t rub frostbitten part!

Thunderstorms1. Take shelter in a sturdy building.2. Stand under shortest tree if in woods, not an

isolated tree, near a fence, or in a shed.3. Don’t use phone unless emergency – phone

lines can conduct electricity.4. Unplug appliances.5. Stay away from the fireplace.6. Get out of boats, don’t take a bath/shower – water can conduct electricity.

Tornadoes

Watch – conditions are right for a tornado, keep alert.

Warning – a tornado has been sighted; if heading your direction, take cover.

1. Seek shelter in a basement if possible2. Stay in center of the ground floor, in room

with no windows if no basement.3. If outside, go in a low ditch/ravine

Water Safety

Thousands die from drowning every year in the U.S.

For children 15 and under, drowning is the second leading cause of death.

Wear life jackets when boating or skiingDon’t dive in water unless you are sure it is deep

enough and safe.Avoid alcohol and other drugs that could impair

your ability to swim or your judgment.Don’t swim alone and take classes if you don’t

know how to swim.

If you fall into really cold water, body shuts down and drowning victims may survive longer than if the water is warm. People with more insulation on their bodies will also survive longer in cold water before hypothermia sets in.

Quiz1. The heat related illness that is life

threatening.2. The heat related illness where you get

muscle spasms.3. The heat related illness where you are

fatigued/dizzy.4. The cold related illness where your blood

starts to crystallize.5. The cold related illness where your body

temperature drops.6. Where a tornado has been sighted.7. Where conditions are favorable for a tornado.