Health Department: Return of Extreme Summer Heat Brings Deadly Dangers

2006 News Releases

ADHS News Release:


Release:	Return of Extreme Summer Heat Brings Deadly Dangers

Release Date:	FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – May 31, 2006

Contact:	Michael Murphy, ADHS Public Information: (602) 542-1094 Tony Haffer, National Weather Service: (602) 275-7002 Jeanene Fowler-Derepentigny, Maricopa County Public Health: (602) 506-4926

With Arizona experiencing unusually high temperatures this week, state and county health officials are urging residents to take precautions to prevent heat-related illnesses or death.

Temperatures the Phoenix metropolitan area are expected to approach 110 degrees as early as Friday and lasting through at least Sunday. The National Weather Service is expected to issue the year’s first heat advisory Friday. NWS is partnering with state and local health officials to provide Arizonans with the most current forecasts and information focused on summer days that will be unusually hot, even for Phoenix.

“Last year, 51 Arizona residents died from extreme heat. That’s twice as many as in 2004,” said State Health Director Susan Gerard. “During a scorching hot day, Arizonans should limit their outdoor activity as much as possible and try to stay cool and drink plenty of fluids.”

Gerard added, “This is a good time to check your neighbors, especially if they are seniors.”

Seventy-five percent of the fatalities from extreme heat last year involved men age 50 or over, according to an analysis by the health department.

“The primary risk factor for heat related illness is being a male over 50 years old and having an outdoor occupation or working outdoors for an extended period,” Gerard said.

Heat is the single most dangerous natural phenomenon in Arizona. Each year, between 30 and 50 residents die from excessive exposure to heat. The next most dangerous natural phenomenon is cold, which usually kills between 10 and 20 people per year. Lightning is a distant third with less than three deaths per year.

“Unlike blizzards or lightening storms, you can’t look outside your window and see danger when we have excessive heat,” said Dr. Bob England, director of Maricopa County’s Public Health Department. “This is why agencies such as the state of Arizona, Maricopa County and our Valley cities and non-profit agencies have made a concerted effort to band together and become that ‘lightning bolt’ that reminds the public that it is dangerous out there.”

The most current weather, forecast and warning information is available at the NWS website: weather.gov/phoenix. Also, the state Health Department has developed an emergency response plan, available at the department’s web site www.azdhs.gov

People suffer heat-related illness when the body’s temperature control system is overloaded and the body can no longer cool itself. As long as blood is flowing properly to the skin, extra heat from the body is pumped to the skin and removed by sweat evaporation. If fluids are not replaced soon enough, heat stroke can result, potentially leading to brain damage or death.

Symptoms of heat illness include heavy sweating, muscle cramps, weakness, dizziness, nausea, weak but rapid pulse and headaches. People with these symptoms should find shade, drink water slowly and make sure there is good ventilation.

Staying in an air-conditioned area, either at home or in a public place such as a mall, library or recreation center is the most effective way to fight heat. If air conditioning is not available, pull the shades over the windows and use cross-ventilation and fans to cool rooms. A cool shower or bath also is an effective way to cool off. Limit use of stoves and ovens to keep home temperatures lower.

Other tips to avoid heat-related illness:

Never leave infants, children or pets inside a parked vehicle.
Increase fluid intake, regardless of activity level. Don’t wait until thirsty to drink fluids; drink more liquid than one’s thirst indicates.
Avoid "heat hangover." Continue to drink fluids even after strenuous activity. This will enable the body to maintain optimum hydration, and help prevent the after effects of heat exposure such as headaches and fatigue.
Avoid beverages containing alcohol, caffeine or large amounts of sugar as they dehydrate the body.
Avoid very cold beverages as they cause stomach cramps.
Limit exercise or outdoor activity between the hours of 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. when the sun is at its peak intensity. If active during this time frame, drink a minimum of 16 to 32 ounces of water each hour.

Some medications, both prescription and over-the-counter, may increase the risk of heat related illness. Consult your physician if you have questions.

When outdoors:

Wear a sunscreen with a minimum SPF 15. Apply at least 30 minutes prior to going outdoors, and re-apply as necessary.
Rest frequently in shady areas so that the body’s temperature has a chance to recover.
If unaccustomed to working or exercising in a hot environment, gradually increase the pace and limit exercise or work time.
Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing; sunglasses to protect the eyes; and a wide-brimmed hat to provide shade and keep the head cool.
Take special precaution with infants and young children by dressing them in loose, cool clothing and shading their heads and faces with hats or an umbrella. Protect their feet with shoes.