Infographic: Beat the Heat

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Beat the Heat: Extreme Heat

Heat related deaths are preventable

• WHAT:
  • Extreme heat or heat waves occur when the temperature reaches extremely high levels or when the combination of heat and humidity causes the air to become oppressive.
• WHO:
  • Children
  • Older adults
  • Outside workers
  • People with disablities
  • More males than females are affected
• WHERE:
  • Houses with little to no AC
  • Construction worksites
  • Cars
• HOW TO AVOID:
  • Stay hydrated with water, avoid sugary beverages
  • Stay cool in an air conditioned area
  • Wear light-weight, light colored, loose fitting clothes

During extreme heat the temperature in your car could be deadly.

• Outside Temperature 80°
  • Inside: 109°
    • Time Elapsed: 20 minutes
  • Inside: 118°
    • Time Elapsed: 40 minutes
  • Inside: 123°
    • Time Elapsed: 60 minutes

HEAT ALERTS: Know the difference.

• HEAT OUTLOOK (Minor): Excessive heat event in 3 to 7 days
• HEAT WATCHES: Excessive heat event in 12 to 48 hours
• HEAT WARNING/ADVISORY (Major): Excessive heat event in next 36 hours

DID YOU KNOW?

• Those living in urban areas may be at a greater risk from the effects of a prolonged heat wave than those living in rural areas.
• Most heat-related illnesses occur because of overexposure to heat or over-exercising.
• Sunburn can significantly slow the skin’s ability to release excess heat.
• 658 people died in the US as a result of extreme heat in 2011.
• $30 BILLION estimated total cost of the 2012 US drought and heatwave.

For more information on ways to beatthe heat please visit: http://www.cdc.gov/extremeheat/