Heat Illness and Heat Waves
Hot and humid summer weather can cause serious illness and death. On average, more Americans die from heat waves than all other natural disasters combined. The best way to prevent heat illness is to stay in an air conditioned place. Make sure you are prepared and help family, friends, and neighbors stay cool during a heat wave.
What is Heat Illness?
- Heat illness occurs when the body cannot cool down.
- The body normally cools itself by sweating and increasing blood flow to the skin.
- When the body cannot keep cool, the brain and other organs can be damaged, causing illness and even death.
- Heat illness includes health conditions which occur directly because of the hot weather. This includes illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
- Keeping cool can be hard work for the body. This extra stress on the body can worsen other health conditions such as heart and lung disease.
Who is Most Likely Going to Get Sick From the Heat?
- People who are 65 years of age or older
- Children who are 4 years of age or younger
- Have chronic medical conditions such as congestive heart failure, diabetes, or emphysema
- Someone who has mental health conditions such as dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, schizophrenia
- People who take certain medications that keep the body from cooling down
- People who are unable to leave the house
- People who are confined to bed
- People who are obese
- Workers in restaurant kitchens, construction sites, or other hot environments
- Athletes and people who exercise strenuously in hot weather
Talk to your doctor about how to prevent heat illness during hot and humid weather. If you don't have a doctor, call 311 to find a doctor or clinic nearby
What are the Signs of Heat Illness?
- • Headache
- • Dizziness or fainting
- • Nausea or vomiting
- • Weakness
- • Muscle cramps
- • Confusion, irritability, disorientation, or hallucinations
- • Trouble breathing
- • Hot, dry skin OR cold, clammy skin
What Should I Do if I Feel Sick from the Heat?
- Go to a cool place, rest, and drink water
- If you are outdoors, move into the shade or get into an air conditioned place. During the summer, New York City has cooling centers for those without air conditioning. You can call 311 or TTY: 212-504-4115 to find a local cooling center.
- Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you don’t feel better or are feeling worse.
- People with heart or lung disease such as congestive heart failure, diabetes, angina, or emphysema should call 911 or go to the emergency room right away if they do not feel well during a heat wave.
What is the Heat Index?
- The heat index is a measure of how hot it feels based on temperature and humidity. The National weather service will issue heat advisories or heat warnings based on the heat index.
- Pay attention to weather reports. A heat index above 95°F means it’s important to stay cool.
- Even before it gets hot enough to issue a heat advisory, people can get sick from the heat, especially if they do not have air conditioning.
A Heat Advisory is issued when the maximum heat index is forecast to be 95°F (35°C) for 2 or more days or 100°F (38°C) for any number of days. An Excessive Heat Watch or Warning is issued when the heat index is forecast to be 105 degrees or more.
You can track weather information by listening to the radio or television or checking the National Weather Service online. |
Resources for the General Public
Resources for Healthcare Providers
For more information call 311. Translation services are available.
