“BABY, IT’S HOT OUTSIDE!!!”

Heat is one of the leading weather-related killers in the United States, resulting in hundreds of fatalities each year. As of today, the population of DeKalb County has been exempt from these fatal catastrophic weather-related illnesses and deaths.

In a Sunday, July 14, 2024 interview with the ER (Emergency Room) medical assistant at St. Thomas-DeKalb Hospital in Smithville, there have been “no reports” of any heat-related illnesses (see below) at this time. The peak months for excessive temperatures locally are in July and August or in about six weeks. The first day of Fall is not until Sunday, September 22, 2024.

Weather information released from the National Weather Service in Nashville, Tennessee warns of impending hot and humid temperatures gracing DeKalb County, Tennessee within the remainder of July and the entire month of August, 2024. Temperatures in September should be cooler and more enjoyable.

The following groups are particularly vulnerable to heat, especially if there is no air conditioning:

· Young children and infants: Their bodies are less able to adapt to the tremendous heat than are adults.

· Older adults: Especially those with pre-existing conditions, taking certain medications, living alone or with limited physical ability can suffer multiple effects if exposed to intense heat and temperatures.

· People with chronic health conditions: They are more likely to have a serious health problem during a heat wave than a healthy person.

· Pregnant women: Extreme heat events equal adverse birth outcomes, such as low birth weight; preterm birth; and infant mortality. As well as, congenital cataracts.

It is NEVER safe to leave a child or a pet or a disabled person locked in a car, even in the winter months. If there is a toddler in the household, lock all cars, even those in your own driveway. Children play in cars or wander outside and get into a car and can DIE IN 10 MINUTES. According to the “Health” page of the National Weather Service (NWS), “A reported 29 children died in hot cars in 2023.” Deaths are routinely reported as early as April and tragedies continue into December in several southern states.

Additionally, during extremely hot and humid weather (as we have now), a person’s body is challenged. When the body heats too rapidly to cool itself properly, or when too much fluid or salt is lost through dehydration or sweating, a person might experience heat exposure. The following are heat illnesses and are listed below:

· Heat Cramps: May lead to heat exhaustion or stroke. Usually, the first symptom of a heat illness, which is painful muscle cramps and spasms, usually in the legs. Extreme sweating also is a symptom. Seek immediate medical attention if symptoms last longer than one hour. This is the mildest symptom of heat stroke.

· Heat Exhaustion: Heavy sweating; weakness or tiredness; cool palm; fast, weak pulse; or muscle cramping; and nausea and vomiting. Keep the victim cool. Seek immediate medical attention if the person vomits, symptoms worsen or lasts longer than one hour.

· Heat Stroke: Throbbing headache, confusion, nausea, dizziness, body temperature about 103F, rapid pulse, fainting, and loss of consciousness. Call 911 or get the victim to a hospital immediately. Delay can be fatal. This is the worst symptom of any head-related illness. Anyone can experience heat stroke when exposed to high temperatures, even if they are indoors and with air conditioning.

“Hazardous heat will expand in coverage over portions of the central and eastern U.S. into next week,” wrote the NWS recently. “Confidence is increasing in dangerous, potentially deadly heat, particularly for urban areas, in the Southern and East Coast. Multiple to severe storms are possible in these warned areas.”

So, the most important question remains: “What to do without air conditioning?”

· Stay hydrated.

· Take a cool shower or bath.

· Use cold washrags on your face and neck.

· Use box floor fans.

· Close curtains or blinds.

· Sleep in breathable linens.

· Sleep in the basement.

· Don’t refrigerate or freeze blankets or clothing.

· Close the doors of unused rooms.

· Use the exhaust fan in your kitchen and/or bathrooms.

· Install energy-efficient light bulbs.