During these periods in Illinois you may feel that the only way you can cool off and survive is to sit on a large block of ice and hold a fan. However, there are things that you can do before and during these periods to endure.

Before the Heat Wave

 

Know the terms used by the National Weather Service during these periods:

• Heat Watch -- Excessive heat is possible in the next day or two.
• Heat Advisory -- High and potentially dangerous values of heat index are occurring, imminent, or highly likely. Prolonged exposure to heat and/or strenuous activity may result in heat-related illness. In Illinois, heat advisories are issued for a daytime maximum heat index of 105 and nighttime minimum of 80.
• Heat Warning -- Life threatening heat is occurring, imminent or highly likely. Take precautions! In Illinois a heat warning is issued for a daytime maximum heat index of 115 with a minimum of 80. In the city of Chicago a heat warning is issued for any of the following; 3 days of heat index 100-105 with a minimum heat index of 75, 2 days of maximum heat index of 105-110 or any day with maximum heat index of 115.

In addition to knowing the terms, keep the following in mind:

• Check NOAA Weather Radio for the latest forecast when planning outdoor activity.
• Have a place to cool off. If you don't have air conditioning, find out if your community has cooling centers. Some cities open schools, park buildings or other air conditioned public buildings as cooling shelters. Plan to spend some time at a library or shopping mall, or with a family member or neighbor.
• Check on elderly or ill neighbors and family members.
• Learn the symptoms of potential heat disorders and the proper first aid for each.

Know the illnesses heat can produce and how to treat each one:

• Heat Cramps
  

Symptoms		Treatment
Painful spasms usually in muscles of legs and abdomen due to heavy exertion. Heavy sweating.		Stop activity and rest in a cool place. Lightly stretch or gently massage muscle to relieve spasms. Give sips of cool water.

• Heat Exhaustion
  

Symptoms		Treatment
Heavy sweating. Skin cool, pale and clammy. Pulse fast and weak. Breathing fast and shallow. Normal temperature. Fainting, vomiting, dizziness, nausea.		Get victim to a cool place. Lay down and loosen clothing. Apply cool wet cloths. Give sips of cool water.

• Heat Stroke
  

Symptoms		Treatment
High body temperature of 103 to as high as 106. Hot, red, dry skin. No sweating. Rapid pulse. Breathing fast and shallow. Headache, nausea, dizziness, confusion. Possible unconsciousness.		Heat stroke is a severe medical emergency. Summon emergency medical assistance or get the victim to a hospital immediately. Delay can be fatal. Move the victim to a cooler environment. Reduce the body temperature with a cool bath or sponging. Use air conditioning or fans. Do not give fluids.

During the Heat Wave

Common Sense is the Best Defense:

• Spend some time in air conditioning, if possible. Even just two hours a day in air conditioning can significantly reduce the risk of heat-related illness.
• Drink plenty of water and natural juices, even if you don't feel thirsty.
• Slow down. Avoid strenuous activity.
• Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
• Avoid going out in the blazing heat, if you can.
• If you must be out in the sun, use sunscreen and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
• Keep shades drawn and blinds closed, but windows open slightly.
• Keep lights down low or turned off.
• Take cool baths or showers periodically, use cool wet towels.
• Eat small meals and eat more often. Avoid foods that are high in protein, which increase metabolic heat.
• Avoid using the oven.
• Avoid alcoholic beverages and beverages with caffeine such as coffee, tea and cola.
• Avoid using salt tablets unless directed to do so by a physician.
• Do not leave children or pets in a closed vehicle . . . even for a few minutes. Temperatures inside a closed vehicle can reach 140 to 190 within 30 minutes on a hot day.
• Schools should restrict strenuous outdoor athletic activity when a heat advisory is in effect. All physical education and athletic activity should be canceled when a heat warning is in effect.
• Stay informed about the heat wave by listening to NOAA Weather Radio, or commercial radio and television for the latest heat warnings and advisories.