Extreme Temperature
Temperature variations above (extreme heat) or below (extreme cold) normal conditions which threaten the health and safety of people crops, livestock, and improved property.
Cold Wave
An extended period of extreme cold weather. Typically found from late fall to early spring. Hazards include the freezing of indoor plumbing, power outages, frostbite, hypothermia, and ice especially when accompanied by precipitation. During an extended cold wave it is recommended to keep faucets at a slow but steady drip to prevent freezing and bursting of plumbing. Take caution when walking upon man-made surfaces such as a street, sidewalk, or driveway during cold wave events. Keeping ice melt salt readily available during winter months is recommended. To avoid possible vehicular accidents one should leave earlier than normal to allow for slower speeds of travel. During extreme cold, limit exposure by covering any exposed surfaces and reducing the time spent outside in the elements. This will aid in the prevention of frostbite and hypothermia. Staying hydrated is incredibly important in preventing hypothermia, so drink water regularly. One can drink warm beverages to further reduce the risk of hypothermia. Signs and symptoms of hypothermia include shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, slurred speech, and drowsiness. In babies and small children the signs are bright red and cold skin and very low energy. If someone is experiencing hypothermia you should move the person into a warm room or shelter, remove any wet clothing, and warm the center of the person’s body i.e., their chest, neck and stomach. After their temperature has increased, envelope them in a warm and dry blanket. Signs and symptoms of frostbite include a white or grayish-yellow skin area, skin that feels unusually firm or waxy, and numbness. If someone is experiencing frostbite you should get them into a warm room as soon as possible, avoid walking on feet/toes that are frostbitten if possible, do not rub or massage frostbitten areas, and put frostbitten areas in warm, not hot, water. If warm water is not available warm using body heat using areas such as the armpit or groin area. If someone has experienced frostbite, immediate medical attention is required.
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Heat Wave
An extended period of extreme hot weather. Typically found from late spring to early fall. Hazards include heat cramps, heat exhaustion, heatstroke, dehydration, sunburn, and increased risk of fire if accompanied by a drought. Of the above hazards, heat stroke is the most severe and life threatening. Signs of a heatstroke include high body temperature, hot, red, dry, or damp skin, fast, strong pulse, headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, and losing consciousness. If you or someone near you experiences these symptoms you should call 911 immediately then move the person to a cooler place and attempt to lower their body temperature with methods such as a cool bath or cool damp clothes/towels. It is important to note that if someone is experiencing a heat stroke not to give them any fluids if they are drifting in and out of consciousness due to a risk of choking. To prevent heat stroke one should look for the warning signs of heat exhaustion as it is a precursor to a heat stroke. The signs of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, cold, pale and clammy skin, fast and weak pulse, nausea or vomiting, muscle cramps, tiredness or weakness, dizziness, headache, and fainting. If you or someone near you experiences one of these symptoms you should move them to a cool place, loosen their clothes, put cool wet clothes on their body, take a cool bath, and/or sip water. You should seek medical attention immediately if you are throwing up, the symptoms get worse or last longer than an hour. To help prevent heat related illness, one should try to avoid extended periods of direct sunlight, wear light colored, breathable fabrics such as cotton that allow for the wicking away of sweat, drink plenty of fluids including water and fluids with electrolytes, perform physically exerting activities during the cooler parts of the day i.e., morning and evening, and take occasional breaks in a cool environment. Sun exposure is also a risk factor for sunburns which can be limited by wearing sunscreen, sunhats, and long sleeve shirts and pants.
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