Adults - Heatwaves - Prevention

1. E-Learning Module for
Adults
Heat waves

2. Part 1: Prevention
e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to
Natural Disasters
2
• WHAT IS A HEAT WAVE (causes and characteristics)
• WHAT TO BE AWARE OF
• THE IMPACT OF A HEAT WAVE

3. Part 1: Prevention
Heat waves - What are they?
Heat waves are a natural phenomenon and can’t be “prevented” but
you can be more aware and better prepared if they do affect you.
e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to
Natural Disasters
3
Image courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

4. Part 1: Prevention
Heat waves - What are they?
Heat waves are a natural phenomenon and can’t be “prevented” but
you can be more aware and better prepared if they do affect you.
e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to
Natural Disasters
4
The weather warms up in the summertime, the days
are become longer and there's more time to be outside
doing all kinds of fun things in the summertime –
gardening, playing with your children, having
picnics, etc. But if you're going to be out in the sun,
especially on a hot day, you need to know how to stay
safe – you will be able to give advice to your children,
friends, colleagues and relatives.
Image courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

5. Part 1: Prevention
e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to
Natural Disasters
5

6. Part 1: Prevention
Heat waves - What are they?
e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to
Natural Disasters
6
To begin with, heat is energy that is transferred from one body to
another because of a difference in temperature. Heat is so well known
from our earliest childhood that we hardly think about it.

7. Part 1: Prevention
Heat waves - What are they?
e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to
Natural Disasters
7
To begin with, heat is energy that is transferred from one body to
another because of a difference in temperature. Heat is so well known
from our earliest childhood that we hardly think about it.
Heat waves are extended periods of unusually hot weather that affect
human and animal health. A heat wave can be an extended period of
days with higher than normal temperatures. However, a heat wave can
also be shorter in length, but with abnormally high temperatures which
bring negative effects on human health, as well as on nature.

8. Part 1: Prevention
Heat waves - What are they?
e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to
Natural Disasters
8
Climate change is seen as one of the most important factors which cause heat
waves and increases the intensity and frequency of heat waves. Heat waves are
becoming hotter, lasting longer and occurring more often. In the last decade,
record levels of hot weather have occurred three times more often than cold
weather records. Climate change is also making heat waves worse in terms of
their impacts on people, property, communities and the environment.
Image courtesy of Kookkai_nak at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

9. Part 1: Prevention
Heat waves - What are they?
e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to
Natural Disasters
9
Climate change is seen as one of the most important factors which cause heat
waves and increases the intensity and frequency of heat waves. Heat waves are
becoming hotter, lasting longer and occurring more often. In the last decade,
record levels of hot weather have occurred three times more often than cold
weather records. Climate change is also making heat waves worse in terms of
their impacts on people, property, communities and the environment.
Image courtesy of Kookkai_nak at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
It is crucial that communities, emergency services, health, medical and social
services, and other authorities prepare for the increases that are already
occurring in the severity and frequency of hot weather.

10. Part 1: Prevention
Heat waves - What are they?
e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to
Natural Disasters
10
We can divide main reasons of why heat waves occur into two parts:
1. Air Pressure

11. Part 1: Prevention
Heat waves - What are they?
e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to
Natural Disasters
11
We can divide main reasons of why heat waves occur into two parts:
1. Air Pressure
2. Depletion of Ozone layer

12. Part 1: Prevention
Heat waves - What are they?
e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to
Natural Disasters
12
The main reason why heat waves occur is closely connected with Jet stream. This stream occurs
in the northern hemisphere atmosphere at approximately 11 km height between areas of high
and low air pressure. The air which is on the edges of the Jet stream is likely to be warmer.
Since the high atmospheric air pressure is not marked by lots of clouds, the surface of the earth
can easily get warmer than usual. In this case, just because the layer of clouds above the earth is
very thin or it does not exist at all, the possibility to cool the earth disappears completely and so
the heat wave can occur.

13. Part 1: Prevention
Heat waves - What are they?
e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to
Natural Disasters
13
The Ozone layer covers and protects the Earth from direct and very harmful sun rays.
Depletion of this layer can reduce protection and cause harm not only for people (various
cancer illnesses) but also for nature and the environment (land may become drier, crops fail,
the temperature of the air is rising, etc.)

14. Part 1: Prevention
Heat waves - What are they?
e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to
Natural Disasters
14
We all need to be very careful about the environment in order not to make the Ozone layer
thinner. You should all know how to behave and what to do if a heat wave occurs. We can
distinguish several features of heat waves:

15. Part 1: Prevention
Heat waves - What are they?
e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to
Natural Disasters
15
We all need to be very careful about the environment in order not to make the Ozone layer
thinner. You should all know how to behave and what to do if a heat wave occurs. We can
distinguish several features of heat waves:
• Unseasonable Warmth

16. Part 1: Prevention
Heat waves - What are they?
e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to
Natural Disasters
16
We all need to be very careful about the environment in order not to make the Ozone layer
thinner. You should all know how to behave and what to do if a heat wave occurs. We can
distinguish several features of heat waves:
• Unseasonable Warmth
• Humidity

17. Part 1: Prevention
Heat waves - What are they?
e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to
Natural Disasters
17
We all need to be very careful about the environment in order not to make the Ozone layer
thinner. You should all know how to behave and what to do if a heat wave occurs. We can
distinguish several features of heat waves:
• Unseasonable Warmth
• Humidity
• Duration

18. Part 1: Prevention
Heat waves - What are they?
e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to
Natural Disasters
18
Heat waves are generally characterized by periods of unseasonable
warmth. This is defined in different ways in different countries.
Although this can also happen and be common during the cooler
months, it is generally considered a heat wave during the warm
months when the air becomes uncomfortably warm. For example, the
air temperature in your town or city reaches 28-30◦ C for couple of
days. The weather forecast on TV or radio does not promise any
changes – according to forecaster such temperature will remain
during the next 4-5 days. So such a period can be called a heat wave. Image courtesy of kjnnt at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

19. Part 1: Prevention
heat waves – what are they?
Threshold maximum day and night temperatures defined by the UK Met Office National Severe Weather
Warning Service (NSWWS) region are set out below (extract National UK Heat wave Plan 2016)
Maximum temperatures (°C)
• NSWWS Region Day Night
• London 32 18
• South East 31 16
• South West 30 15
• Eastern 30 15
• West Midlands 30 15
• East Midlands 30 15
• North West 30 15
• Yorkshire and Humber 29 15
• North East 28 15
e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to
Natural Disasters
19

20. Part 1: Prevention
Heat waves - What are they?
e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to
Natural Disasters
20
As much as the heat is a factor in a heat wave, so too is the
humidity. Humidity measures how much moisture is in the air.
Warm air holds more moisture than cold air and, at higher
temperatures, humidity can be extremely uncomfortable. The
reason for this is that the human body cools itself by the
evaporation of sweat. When humidity is too high sweat does not
effectively evaporate and people can easily overheat.

21. Part 1: Prevention
Heat waves - What are they?
e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to
Natural Disasters
21
Heat waves can lead to drought. Drought and heat, in fact, are
inter-related. According to scientists, in regions where moisture
in the air and soil is reduced, naturally, the air temperature
rises, and this can result in longer and more intense heat waves.
So, if there is enough water remaining in the soil, cooling
connected with the evaporation could slow the severity of an
on-coming heat wave, preventing the occurrence of extreme
heat waves.
Image courtesy of dan at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

22. Part 1: Prevention
Heat waves - What are they?
e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to
Natural Disasters
22
Heat waves occur when a ridge of high pressure sits over a
region for an extended period of time, bringing down dry, hot
air to the ground. As the air sinks, it warms and compresses and
is very hot by the time it reaches the surface. This hot air
quickly heats up the ground, which raises the air temperature.
Since the centre of high pressure areas are usually cloud-free,
the direct sunlight further raises daytime temperatures. If
humidity is high, temperatures do not cool much at night.
Night-time heat greatly contributes to heat stress because the
body has no relief from the oppressive conditions.

23. Part 1: Prevention
Heat waves - What are they?
e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to
Natural Disasters
23
In addition to unseasonably warm temperatures and high
humidity, a heat wave is characterized by its duration. One
unusually warm day does not make a heat wave. However,
when that heat stays around for two or more days, it is
considered a heat wave. The longer a mass of high atmospheric
pressure sits on an area, the warmer it can get. In this way, heat
waves that last many days or even several weeks and can be
particularly dangerous.

24. Part 1: Prevention
e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to
Natural Disasters
24

25. Part 1: Prevention
Heat waves - What to be aware of?
e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to
Natural Disasters
25
Heat waves are a particularly important risk for people living in cities
because metropolitan areas can be significantly warmer than neighbouring
countryside areas. Dense urban areas, such as inner city environments,
may be 1 to 3°C hotter than surrounding areas. This phenomenon is
known as the “Urban Heat Island” and occurs because of a decreased
amount of plants and increased areas of dark surfaces in urban
environments (sidewalks, roads, etc.), in addition to the heat produced
from vehicles and generators. The Urban Heat Island effect is generally
more prominent during the night than the day, so its major impact is to
increase the likelihood of extreme high minimum temperatures. Image courtesy of kjnnt at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

26. Part 1: Prevention
Heat waves - What to be aware of?
e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to
Natural Disasters
26
Heat waves can be dangerous for adults over 65,
children under 4, and people who suffer from heart
disease or if they do not have any air conditioning at
home. Any time a person is exposed to heat, they are
in danger of suffering from heat exhaustion and
heat stroke. These heat-related illnesses have killed
thousands over the last 100 years.
Image courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

27. Part 1: Prevention
Heat waves - What to be aware of?
e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to
Natural Disasters
27
Elderly people are particularly at risk during heat wave conditions because ageing decreases
tolerance to heat:

28. Part 1: Prevention
Heat waves - What to be aware of?
e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to
Natural Disasters
28
Elderly people are particularly at risk during heat wave conditions because ageing decreases
tolerance to heat:
•thirst is sensed later,

29. Part 1: Prevention
Heat waves - What to be aware of?
e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to
Natural Disasters
29
Elderly people are particularly at risk during heat wave conditions because ageing decreases
tolerance to heat:
•thirst is sensed later,
•the sweating reaction is delayed

30. Part 1: Prevention
Heat waves - What to be aware of?
e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to
Natural Disasters
30
Elderly people are particularly at risk during heat wave conditions because ageing decreases
tolerance to heat:
•thirst is sensed later,
•the sweating reaction is delayed
•the number of sweating glands is reduced.

31. Part 1: Prevention
e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to
Natural Disasters
31

32. Part 1: Prevention
The impact of a heat wave
e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to
Natural Disasters
32
Heat waves can have direct and indirect impact on people’s health.

33. Part 1: Prevention
The impact of a heat wave
e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to
Natural Disasters
33
Heat waves can have direct and indirect impact on people’s health.
Direct impact Indirect impact
1.Heat exhaustion
2.Heat stroke
3.Heat cramps
4.Dehydration, etc..
1.The spread of communicable diseases
2.Increases in deaths due to higher air pollution
3.Various diseases from different insects, etc.

34. Part 1: Prevention
The impact of a heat wave
e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to
Natural Disasters
34

35. Part 1: Prevention
The impact of a heat wave
e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to
Natural Disasters
36
The main health effects of a heat wave result from the body not
being able to effectively cool itself. Without proper cooling, a
person can suffer from heat exhaustion and eventually heat
stroke. Without enough fluid intake, a person can suffer
dehydration. This often occurs when the body sweats out more
water than it takes in. The elderly, particularly those who have
problems with their heart, can be especially vulnerable during a
heat wave.

36. Part 1: Prevention
The impact of a heat wave
e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to
Natural Disasters
37
This picture shows what impact higher body temperature can have on people's health. The
higher body temperature occurs when the body's natural cooling process is effected by the heat
wave, when the body cannot cool itself properly by sweating, especially if humidity is high. In
this case, if core body temperature rises to 38 degrees for several hours, heat exhaustion occurs
and mental and physical capacity becomes impaired. If core body temperature rises to 42, even
for just a few hours, heat stroke and death can result.

37. Part 1: Prevention
The impact of a heat wave
e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to
Natural Disasters
38
Heat waves lasting even a few days, especially if coupled
with high nighttime temperatures (for example, above 20°C
or lower 30°C), can cause serious health impacts. The warm
nights are particularly important because our bodies do not
get the chance to recover. It is cumulative effects over a few
days of an intense heat wave that lead to serious health
impacts and deaths – and people tend to see these after the
worst of the heat wave has passed.

38. Part 1: Prevention
The impact of a heat wave
e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to
Natural Disasters
39
Overall we can note that:

39. Part 1: Prevention
The impact of a heat wave
e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to
Natural Disasters
40
Overall we can note that:
•People can suffer from heat cramps, heat exhaustion or even heat stroke.

40. Part 1: Prevention
The impact of a heat wave
e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to
Natural Disasters
41
Overall we can note that:
•People can suffer from heat cramps, heat exhaustion or even heat stroke.
•When a heat wave occurs the body can lose lots of water – dehydration may occur.

41. Part 1: Prevention
The impact of a heat wave
e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to
Natural Disasters
42
Overall we can note that:
•People can suffer from heat cramps, heat exhaustion or even heat stroke.
•When a heat wave occurs the body can lose lots of water – dehydration may occur.
•Also, when trying to cool yourself during the intensive heat and drinking lots of cold water
you can catch a flu.

42. Part 1: Prevention
The impact of a heat wave
e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to
Natural Disasters
43
Heat cramps often occur during extreme heat. Heat
cramps are often an early sign that the body is having
trouble with the heat.
-They are muscular pains and spasms that usually
occur in the legs.
-Such spasms can occur even while having rest or at
night time
-Panic can occur because you do not know how to
behave in such a situation.

43. Part 1: Prevention
The impact of a heat wave
e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to
Natural Disasters
44
When a person feels that his or her body’s process of heat exchange has stopped they may feel discomfort, his or
her system of thermoregulation starts working more actively, the thermal balance is disrupted in a person’s body
- all these reasons may lead to the heat exhaustion.

44. Part 1: Prevention
The impact of a heat wave
e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to
Natural Disasters
45
Heat exhaustion is a more severe condition than heat cramps. Heat
exhaustion often affects athletes, firefighters, and factory workers. It also
affects those wearing heavy clothing in a hot, humid environment. You
can identify signs which will help you to recognise if a person, or even you
yourself, are suffering from the heat exhaustion:
When a person feels that his or her body’s process of heat exchange has stopped they may feel discomfort, his or
her system of thermoregulation starts working more actively, the thermal balance is disrupted in a person’s body
- all these reasons may lead to the heat exhaustion.

45. Part 1: Prevention
The impact of a heat wave
e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to
Natural Disasters
46
Heat exhaustion is a more severe condition than heat cramps. Heat
exhaustion often affects athletes, firefighters, and factory workers. It also
affects those wearing heavy clothing in a hot, humid environment. You
can identify signs which will help you to recognise if a person, or even you
yourself, are suffering from the heat exhaustion:
•cool, moist, pale, flushed skin;
When a person feels that his or her body’s process of heat exchange has stopped they may feel discomfort, his or
her system of thermoregulation starts working more actively, the thermal balance is disrupted in a person’s body
- all these reasons may lead to the heat exhaustion.

46. Part 1: Prevention
The impact of a heat wave
e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to
Natural Disasters
47
Heat exhaustion is a more severe condition than heat cramps. Heat
exhaustion often affects athletes, firefighters, and factory workers. It also
affects those wearing heavy clothing in a hot, humid environment. You
can identify signs which will help you to recognise if a person, or even you
yourself, are suffering from the heat exhaustion:
•cool, moist, pale, flushed skin;
•headache;
When a person feels that his or her body’s process of heat exchange has stopped they may feel discomfort, his or
her system of thermoregulation starts working more actively, the thermal balance is disrupted in a person’s body
- all these reasons may lead to the heat exhaustion.

47. Part 1: Prevention
The impact of a heat wave
e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to
Natural Disasters
48
Heat exhaustion is a more severe condition than heat cramps. Heat
exhaustion often affects athletes, firefighters, and factory workers. It also
affects those wearing heavy clothing in a hot, humid environment. You
can identify signs which will help you to recognise if a person, or even you
yourself, are suffering from the heat exhaustion:
•cool, moist, pale, flushed skin;
•headache;
•nausea;
When a person feels that his or her body’s process of heat exchange has stopped they may feel discomfort, his or
her system of thermoregulation starts working more actively, the thermal balance is disrupted in a person’s body
- all these reasons may lead to the heat exhaustion.

48. Part 1: Prevention
The impact of a heat wave
e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to
Natural Disasters
49
Heat exhaustion is a more severe condition than heat cramps. Heat
exhaustion often affects athletes, firefighters, and factory workers. It also
affects those wearing heavy clothing in a hot, humid environment. You
can identify signs which will help you to recognise if a person, or even you
yourself, are suffering from the heat exhaustion:
•cool, moist, pale, flushed skin;
•headache;
•nausea;
•dizziness;
When a person feels that his or her body’s process of heat exchange has stopped they may feel discomfort, his or
her system of thermoregulation starts working more actively, the thermal balance is disrupted in a person’s body
- all these reasons may lead to the heat exhaustion.

49. Part 1: Prevention
The impact of a heat wave
e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to
Natural Disasters
50
Heat exhaustion is a more severe condition than heat cramps. Heat
exhaustion often affects athletes, firefighters, and factory workers. It also
affects those wearing heavy clothing in a hot, humid environment. You
can identify signs which will help you to recognise if a person, or even you
yourself, are suffering from the heat exhaustion:
•cool, moist, pale, flushed skin;
•headache;
•nausea;
•dizziness;
•weakness and exhaustion.
When a person feels that his or her body’s process of heat exchange has stopped they may feel discomfort, his or
her system of thermoregulation starts working more actively, the thermal balance is disrupted in a person’s body
- all these reasons may lead to the heat exhaustion.

50. Part 1: Prevention
The impact of a heat wave
e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to
Natural Disasters
51
Heat stroke is a life-threatening condition that usually occurs
by ignoring the indicators of heat exhaustion. Heat stroke
develops when the body systems are overwhelmed by heat
and begin to stop functioning. The following signs will help
you to recognise if a person, or even you yourself, are
suffering from the heat stroke:

51. Part 1: Prevention
The impact of a heat wave
e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to
Natural Disasters
52
Heat stroke is a life-threatening condition that usually occurs
by ignoring the indicators of heat exhaustion. Heat stroke
develops when the body systems are overwhelmed by heat
and begin to stop functioning. The following signs will help
you to recognise if a person, or even you yourself, are
suffering from the heat stroke:
•extremely high body temperature;

52. Part 1: Prevention
The impact of a heat wave
e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to
Natural Disasters
53
Heat stroke is a life-threatening condition that usually occurs
by ignoring the indicators of heat exhaustion. Heat stroke
develops when the body systems are overwhelmed by heat
and begin to stop functioning. The following signs will help
you to recognise if a person, or even you yourself, are
suffering from the heat stroke:
•extremely high body temperature;
•red skin which may be dry or moist;

53. Part 1: Prevention
The impact of a heat wave
e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to
Natural Disasters
54
Heat stroke is a life-threatening condition that usually occurs
by ignoring the indicators of heat exhaustion. Heat stroke
develops when the body systems are overwhelmed by heat
and begin to stop functioning. The following signs will help
you to recognise if a person, or even you yourself, are
suffering from the heat stroke:
•extremely high body temperature;
•red skin which may be dry or moist;
•changes in consciousness;

54. Part 1: Prevention
The impact of a heat wave
e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to
Natural Disasters
55
Heat stroke is a life-threatening condition that usually occurs
by ignoring the indicators of heat exhaustion. Heat stroke
develops when the body systems are overwhelmed by heat
and begin to stop functioning. The following signs will help
you to recognise if a person, or even you yourself, are
suffering from the heat stroke:
•extremely high body temperature;
•red skin which may be dry or moist;
•changes in consciousness;
•rapid, weak pulse and rapid, shallow breathing;

55. Part 1: Prevention
The impact of a heat wave
e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to
Natural Disasters
56
Heat stroke is a life-threatening condition that usually occurs
by ignoring the indicators of heat exhaustion. Heat stroke
develops when the body systems are overwhelmed by heat
and begin to stop functioning. The following signs will help
you to recognise if a person, or even you yourself, are
suffering from the heat stroke:
•extremely high body temperature;
•red skin which may be dry or moist;
•changes in consciousness;
•rapid, weak pulse and rapid, shallow breathing;
•vomiting.

56. Part 1: Prevention
The impact of a heat wave
e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to
Natural Disasters
57

57. Part 1: Prevention
The impact of a heat wave
e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to
Natural Disasters
59
Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are very similar. That is why it is sometimes difficult to identify and
separate what exactly happened to a person. Below you can see the main differences between those
two illnesses:

58. Part 1: Prevention
The impact of a heat wave
e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to
Natural Disasters
60
Dehydration is the loss of huge amount of liquid from the body. It
occurs when the amount of water leaving the body is greater than the
amount being taken in. The following signs which will help you to
recognise if a person, or even you yourself, are suffering from the
dehydration:

59. Part 1: Prevention
The impact of a heat wave
e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to
Natural Disasters
61
Dehydration is the loss of huge amount of liquid from the body. It
occurs when the amount of water leaving the body is greater than the
amount being taken in. The following signs which will help you to
recognise if a person, or even you yourself, are suffering from the
dehydration:
•Increased thirst

60. Part 1: Prevention
The impact of a heat wave
e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to
Natural Disasters
62
Dehydration is the loss of huge amount of liquid from the body. It
occurs when the amount of water leaving the body is greater than the
amount being taken in. The following signs which will help you to
recognise if a person, or even you yourself, are suffering from the
dehydration:
•Increased thirst
•Increased sweating

61. Part 1: Prevention
The impact of a heat wave
e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to
Natural Disasters
63
Dehydration is the loss of huge amount of liquid from the body. It
occurs when the amount of water leaving the body is greater than the
amount being taken in. The following signs which will help you to
recognise if a person, or even you yourself, are suffering from the
dehydration:
•Increased thirst
•Increased sweating
•Dry mouth and swollen tongue

62. Part 1: Prevention
The impact of a heat wave
e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to
Natural Disasters
64
Dehydration is the loss of huge amount of liquid from the body. It
occurs when the amount of water leaving the body is greater than the
amount being taken in. The following signs which will help you to
recognise if a person, or even you yourself, are suffering from the
dehydration:
•Increased thirst
•Increased sweating
•Dry mouth and swollen tongue
•Weakness

63. Part 1: Prevention
The impact of a heat wave
e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to
Natural Disasters
65
Dehydration is the loss of huge amount of liquid from the body. It
occurs when the amount of water leaving the body is greater than the
amount being taken in. The following signs which will help you to
recognise if a person, or even you yourself, are suffering from the
dehydration:
•Increased thirst
•Increased sweating
•Dry mouth and swollen tongue
•Weakness
•Confusion

64. Part 1: Prevention
The impact of a heat wave
e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to
Natural Disasters
66
Dehydration is the loss of huge amount of liquid from the body. It
occurs when the amount of water leaving the body is greater than the
amount being taken in. The following signs which will help you to
recognise if a person, or even you yourself, are suffering from the
dehydration:
•Increased thirst
•Increased sweating
•Dry mouth and swollen tongue
•Weakness
•Confusion
•Fainting

65. Part 1: Prevention
The impact of a heat wave
e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to
Natural Disasters
67
Dehydration is the loss of huge amount of liquid from the body. It
occurs when the amount of water leaving the body is greater than the
amount being taken in. The following signs which will help you to
recognise if a person, or even you yourself, are suffering from the
dehydration:
•Increased thirst
•Increased sweating
•Dry mouth and swollen tongue
•Weakness
•Confusion
•Fainting
•Head aches.

66. Part 1: Prevention
The impact of a heat wave
e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to
Natural Disasters
68
There are a number of indirect effects that extreme heat has on our health:
Image courtesy of Kookkai_nak at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

67. Part 1: Prevention
The impact of a heat wave
e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to
Natural Disasters
69
There are a number of indirect effects that extreme heat has on our health:
•It can cause various infectious diseases to be transmitted by insects;
Image courtesy of Kookkai_nak at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

68. Part 1: Prevention
The impact of a heat wave
e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to
Natural Disasters
70
There are a number of indirect effects that extreme heat has on our health:
•It can cause various infectious diseases to be transmitted by insects;
•It is important to mention that extreme heat can lead to power outages,
which in turn can lead to a loss of air-conditioning and also loss of
refrigeration and cooling, affecting homes and food outlets → harmful
bacteria in food grows more quickly in warm temperatures → increased
risk of gastrointestinal illnesses from food that is kept in such warm
conditions without any refrigerators.
Image courtesy of Kookkai_nak at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

69. Part 1: Prevention
The impact of a heat wave
e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to
Natural Disasters
71
The effect of extreme heat can be a slowing down in daily activities and
reduction in work productivity which may be a significantly important
economic factor.

70. Part 1: Prevention
The impact of a heat wave
e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to
Natural Disasters
72
The effect of extreme heat can be a slowing down in daily activities and
reduction in work productivity which may be a significantly important
economic factor.
Extreme heat can pose serious health risks for outdoor workers and for
those working in enclosed indoor spaces without adequate ventilation.
Under extreme conditions, heat stress or even death can occur.

71. Part 1: Prevention
The impact of a heat wave
e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to
Natural Disasters
73
It is possible to divide jobs into three main categories that affect the human body differently during heat
wave conditions:

72. Part 1: Prevention
The impact of a heat wave
e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to
Natural Disasters
74
It is possible to divide jobs into three main categories that affect the human body differently during heat
wave conditions:
•Easy physical work – here we could include the job that is closely connected with sitting or less physical
activity. It could be the job of a manager and all the professions that are connected with an organisation
and its management.

73. Part 1: Prevention
The impact of a heat wave
e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to
Natural Disasters
75
It is possible to divide jobs into three main categories that affect the human body differently during heat
wave conditions:
•Easy physical work – here we could include the job that is closely connected with sitting or less physical
activity. It could be the job of a manager and all the professions that are connected with an organisation
and its management.
•Physical jobs of mid-difficulty – it is usually work connected with bigger physical activity than usual
(more walking, more moving) and/or moving things that weigh less than 10 kg – warehouse loader or a
post office worker who is working with bigger letters and shipments.

74. Part 1: Prevention
The impact of a heat wave
e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to
Natural Disasters
76
It is possible to divide jobs into three main categories that affect the human body differently during heat
wave conditions:
•Easy physical work – here we could include the job that is closely connected with sitting or less physical
activity. It could be the job of a manager and all the professions that are connected with an organisation
and its management.
•Physical jobs of mid-difficulty – it is usually work connected with bigger physical activity than usual
(more walking, more moving) and/or moving things that weigh less than 10 kg – warehouse loader or a
post office worker who is working with bigger letters and shipments.
•Hard physical job – the job which is connected with permanent and fixed physical activity (walking,
moving around, etc.) and/or moving things that weigh more than 10 kg from one place to another - post
office worker who are dealing with big shipments or even pallets, building site workers etc.)

75. Part 1: Prevention
The impact of a heat wave
e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to
Natural Disasters
77
Those most at risk include:

76. Part 1: Prevention
The impact of a heat wave
e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to
Natural Disasters
78
Those most at risk include:
•construction workers,

77. Part 1: Prevention
The impact of a heat wave
e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to
Natural Disasters
79
Those most at risk include:
•construction workers,
•farmers,

78. Part 1: Prevention
The impact of a heat wave
e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to
Natural Disasters
80
Those most at risk include:
•construction workers,
•farmers,
•emergency and essential service workers

79. Part 1: Prevention
The impact of a heat wave
e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to
Natural Disasters
81
Those most at risk include:
•construction workers,
•farmers,
•emergency and essential service workers
•those working outside in the mining industry.

80. Part 1: Prevention
The impact of a heat wave
e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to
Natural Disasters
82
Those most at risk include:
•construction workers,
•farmers,
•emergency and essential service workers
•those working outside in the mining industry.
During physical exertion in periods of extreme heat the body can have difficulty removing the heat
generated and the core body temperature can rise to dangerous levels, leading to heat stress or death.

81. Part 1: Prevention
The impact of a heat wave
e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to
Natural Disasters
83
Those most at risk include:
•construction workers,
•farmers,
•emergency and essential service workers
•those working outside in the mining industry.
During physical exertion in periods of extreme heat the body can have difficulty removing the heat
generated and the core body temperature can rise to dangerous levels, leading to heat stress or death.
Heat can also lead to mental health problems in workers, such as:

82. Part 1: Prevention
The impact of a heat wave
e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to
Natural Disasters
84
Those most at risk include:
•construction workers,
•farmers,
•emergency and essential service workers
•those working outside in the mining industry.
During physical exertion in periods of extreme heat the body can have difficulty removing the heat
generated and the core body temperature can rise to dangerous levels, leading to heat stress or death.
Heat can also lead to mental health problems in workers, such as:
•aggression, confusion,

83. Part 1: Prevention
The impact of a heat wave
e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to
Natural Disasters
85
Those most at risk include:
•construction workers,
•farmers,
•emergency and essential service workers
•those working outside in the mining industry.
During physical exertion in periods of extreme heat the body can have difficulty removing the heat
generated and the core body temperature can rise to dangerous levels, leading to heat stress or death.
Heat can also lead to mental health problems in workers, such as:
•aggression, confusion,
•psychological distress and other behavioural changes that can affect workers and their productivity.

84. Part 1: Prevention
The impact of a heat wave
e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to
Natural Disasters
86
One measure of the risk to workers of extreme heat is the “dangerous day” concept. A dangerous day occurs
when sweating cannot cool the body and core body temperature rises by 2.5◦C over less than two hours. For
workers who are accustomed to working in hot climates, the number of dangerous days is rising step by step.

85. Part 1: Prevention
The impact of a heat wave
e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to
Natural Disasters
87
One measure of the risk to workers of extreme heat is the “dangerous day” concept. A dangerous day occurs
when sweating cannot cool the body and core body temperature rises by 2.5◦C over less than two hours. For
workers who are accustomed to working in hot climates, the number of dangerous days is rising step by step.
The impacts of extreme heat on worker’s wellbeing and productivity can also be measured in economic terms,
the underlying cause being a general slowing down of work or the complete stoppage of work on very hot
days. Reduced labour productivity from future heat waves will not only be costly but will force changes in the
workplace. Measures such as air conditioning to workplaces to enhance worker productivity may be costly
and unreliable. Similarly, workers may need to take more frequent breaks, or work at a slower pace. As a
result, to maintain current productivity levels, it may be necessary to:

86. Part 1: Prevention
The impact of a heat wave
e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to
Natural Disasters
88
One measure of the risk to workers of extreme heat is the “dangerous day” concept. A dangerous day occurs
when sweating cannot cool the body and core body temperature rises by 2.5◦C over less than two hours. For
workers who are accustomed to working in hot climates, the number of dangerous days is rising step by step.
The impacts of extreme heat on worker’s wellbeing and productivity can also be measured in economic terms,
the underlying cause being a general slowing down of work or the complete stoppage of work on very hot
days. Reduced labour productivity from future heat waves will not only be costly but will force changes in the
workplace. Measures such as air conditioning to workplaces to enhance worker productivity may be costly
and unreliable. Similarly, workers may need to take more frequent breaks, or work at a slower pace. As a
result, to maintain current productivity levels, it may be necessary to:
• engage greater numbers of workers,

87. Part 1: Prevention
The impact of a heat wave
e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to
Natural Disasters
89
One measure of the risk to workers of extreme heat is the “dangerous day” concept. A dangerous day occurs
when sweating cannot cool the body and core body temperature rises by 2.5◦C over less than two hours. For
workers who are accustomed to working in hot climates, the number of dangerous days is rising step by step.
The impacts of extreme heat on worker’s wellbeing and productivity can also be measured in economic terms,
the underlying cause being a general slowing down of work or the complete stoppage of work on very hot
days. Reduced labour productivity from future heat waves will not only be costly but will force changes in the
workplace. Measures such as air conditioning to workplaces to enhance worker productivity may be costly
and unreliable. Similarly, workers may need to take more frequent breaks, or work at a slower pace. As a
result, to maintain current productivity levels, it may be necessary to:
• engage greater numbers of workers,
• increase working hours for existing workers,

88. Part 1: Prevention
The impact of a heat wave
e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to
Natural Disasters
90
One measure of the risk to workers of extreme heat is the “dangerous day” concept. A dangerous day occurs
when sweating cannot cool the body and core body temperature rises by 2.5◦C over less than two hours. For
workers who are accustomed to working in hot climates, the number of dangerous days is rising step by step.
The impacts of extreme heat on worker’s wellbeing and productivity can also be measured in economic terms,
the underlying cause being a general slowing down of work or the complete stoppage of work on very hot
days. Reduced labour productivity from future heat waves will not only be costly but will force changes in the
workplace. Measures such as air conditioning to workplaces to enhance worker productivity may be costly
and unreliable. Similarly, workers may need to take more frequent breaks, or work at a slower pace. As a
result, to maintain current productivity levels, it may be necessary to:
• engage greater numbers of workers,
• increase working hours for existing workers,
• change working hours to night shifts to avoid the heat of the day.

89. Part 1: Prevention
The impact of a heat wave
e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to
Natural Disasters
91
Extreme heat can have significant impacts on infrastructure and essential
services, especially electricity transmission and transport systems. Heat waves
test the ability of the infrastructure to withstand the pressures of increased
energy demand; in particular from use of air conditioners. Transmission lines
may become so hot that they expand and can hang dangerously low. If this
occurs, the electricity flow is decreased to allow the transmission lines to cool
and contract
Image courtesy of Kookkai_nak at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

90. Part 1: Prevention
The impact of a heat wave
e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to
Natural Disasters
92
Extreme heat can have significant impacts on infrastructure and essential
services, especially electricity transmission and transport systems. Heat waves
test the ability of the infrastructure to withstand the pressures of increased
energy demand; in particular from use of air conditioners. Transmission lines
may become so hot that they expand and can hang dangerously low. If this
occurs, the electricity flow is decreased to allow the transmission lines to cool
and contract
Ceramic insulators on power lines may also be affected by smoke, moisture, or
ash from heat wave associated wildfires, becoming less effective and may have
their electricity supply stopped.
Image courtesy of Kookkai_nak at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

91. Part 1: Prevention
The impact of a heat wave
e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to
Natural Disasters
93
Like human beings, animals suffer too, particularly when they
are left in direct sun and do not get adequate water. Domestic
animals and poultry birds are especially vulnerable to heat wave.
Temperature, wind speed, humidity, and solar radiation can all
contribute to heat stress in livestock. In periods of extreme heat,
birds may lose up to 5% of their body mass per hour and rapidly
reach their limit of dehydration tolerance.
Image courtesy of digitalart at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

92. Part 1: Prevention
The impact of a heat wave
e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to
Natural Disasters
94
Despite the complexity of global
food supply, there are well-
established linkages between
growing seasonal temperatures,
precipitation and crop
performance. For wheat, corn
and barley, there is a clear
negative response of global
yields to increased temperatures.
Image courtesy of danat FreeDigitalPhotos.net

93. Part 1: Prevention
The impact of a heat wave
e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to
Natural Disasters
95
Despite the complexity of global
food supply, there are well-
established linkages between
growing seasonal temperatures,
precipitation and crop
performance. For wheat, corn
and barley, there is a clear
negative response of global
yields to increased temperatures.
Heat waves can have significant
impacts on agricultural crops
and livestock. High temperatures
over several days can reduce the
crop yield substantially, through
both direct and indirect effects.
Image courtesy of danat FreeDigitalPhotos.net

94. Part 1: Prevention
The impact of a heat wave
e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to
Natural Disasters
96
Marine organisms are also affected by the impacts of severe heat.
Heat waves can occur in the surface waters of the ocean, sometimes
leading to dramatic impacts on marine ecosystems. When coral reefs
are subject to sea surface temperatures more than 1-2°C above
average summer maximum temperatures, the corals can bleach and
die. Bleaching events on the Great Barrier Reef have occurred
repeatedly since the late 1970s when none were observed before
1970. Bleaching events have contributed to the decline in coral
cover observed from 1985 to 2002. However, corals are not the only
marine systems to be affected by heat waves. Mortality and reduced
reproduction have also been observed in some marine species.
Extreme heat affects each ecosystem differently, however, it may take
a long time to recover after the heat wave or the ecosystems may
never return to their original state.

95. Part 1: Prevention
The impact of a heat wave
e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to
Natural Disasters
97
Extreme heat have a negative impact on grain crops (maize, wheat, and soya) as well as fruit trees
(apple, cherry, pear), and other plants. Many types of fruit trees can have difficulties and the heat
wave may affect the quality of the fruit.

96. Part 1: Prevention
The impact of a heat wave
e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to
Natural Disasters
98
Extreme heat have a negative impact on grain crops (maize, wheat, and soya) as well as fruit trees
(apple, cherry, pear), and other plants. Many types of fruit trees can have difficulties and the heat
wave may affect the quality of the fruit.
It is now well known that many bumblebee species are threatened in
Europe and in North America. Various thoughts have been presented to
explain this regression. Some scientists say that many bumblebee species
are disappearing due to synthetic fertilization. Since 2002, it was observed
that, in a number of situations where local droughts and heat waves
occurred in France, UK, Scandinavia, Turkey, it lead to very strong local
reductions of the bumblebee’s fauna. As they are the most exposed to heat
waves, they may be the most sensitive to this risk.

97. Image courtesy of danat FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Part 1: Prevention
The impact of a heat wave
e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to
Natural Disasters
99
The direct effect is through:
•damage to the crop’s reproductive parts, responsible for producing grain,
•reduce in productive potential.

98. Image courtesy of danat FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Part 1: Prevention
The impact of a heat wave
e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to
Natural Disasters
100
Indirectly, extreme temperatures increase:
•plant water stress;
•photosynthesis, which affects yield and grain quality, and stops functioning and plants may die.
The direct effect is through:
•damage to the crop’s reproductive parts, responsible for producing grain,
•reduce in productive potential.

99. Image courtesy of danat FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Part 1: Prevention
The impact of a heat wave
e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to
Natural Disasters
101
Indirectly, extreme temperatures increase:
•plant water stress;
•photosynthesis, which affects yield and grain quality, and stops functioning and plants may die.
The direct effect is through:
•damage to the crop’s reproductive parts, responsible for producing grain,
•reduce in productive potential.
High temperatures, especially when combined with high humidity and low air movement, can exceed
the ability of livestock to cope, resulting in a loss of appetite, productivity, and sometimes death.
Provision of shade can reduce heat stress, but not completely eliminate risk.

100. Part 1: Prevention
The impact of a heat wave
e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to
Natural Disasters
102
Fire is a natural and beneficial part of many forest ecosystems, but
the number and intensity of fires today is challenging fire
managers and forest communities throughout the world. Longer
fire seasons result as spring runoff occurs earlier, summer heat
builds up more quickly and warm conditions extend further into
autumn.

101. Part 1: Prevention
The impact of a heat wave
e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to
Natural Disasters
103
Fire is a natural and beneficial part of many forest ecosystems, but
the number and intensity of fires today is challenging fire
managers and forest communities throughout the world. Longer
fire seasons result as spring runoff occurs earlier, summer heat
builds up more quickly and warm conditions extend further into
autumn.
Drier conditions will increase the probability of fires. Fire was once
a healthy, natural part of our ecosystem, however climate change
and other pressures are causing more intensified firestorms,
bringing more damage and increasing risks to wildlife.

102. Part 1: Prevention
The impact of a heat wave
e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to
Natural Disasters
104
So, how is wildlife impacted by fires?

103. Part 1: Prevention
The impact of a heat wave
e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to
Natural Disasters
105
So, how is wildlife impacted by fires?
•Animals can't escape.

104. Part 1: Prevention
The impact of a heat wave
e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to
Natural Disasters
106
So, how is wildlife impacted by fires?
•Animals can't escape.
•Their habitat is destroyed.

105. Part 1: Prevention
The impact of a heat wave
e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to
Natural Disasters
107
So, how is wildlife impacted by fires?
•Animals can't escape.
•Their habitat is destroyed.
•They undergo major stresses trying to recover.

106. Part 1: Prevention
The impact of a heat wave
e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to
Natural Disasters
108
So, how is wildlife impacted by fires?
•Animals can't escape.
•Their habitat is destroyed.
•They undergo major stresses trying to recover.
•Bigger fires are changing the ecosystem balance.

107. Part 1: Prevention
The impact of a heat wave
e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to
Natural Disasters
109
1. No escape. For some animals, like newly
hatched, downy nestlings that are unable to fly,
there is simply no way to flee the fire. For
others, escape routes can force wildlife across
roads, putting them at greater risk of being hit
by vehicles. This can lead to more serious
accidents where people can also suffer.

108. Part 1: Prevention
The impact of a heat wave
e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to
Natural Disasters
110
1. No escape. For some animals, like newly
hatched, downy nestlings that are unable to fly,
there is simply no way to flee the fire. For
others, escape routes can force wildlife across
roads, putting them at greater risk of being hit
by vehicles. This can lead to more serious
accidents where people can also suffer.
2. Habitat destruction. Massive wildlife fires in
Western Europe and America, for example, are
destroying forests, some of which can take 120
or more years to recover.

109. Part 1: Prevention
The impact of a heat wave
e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to
Natural Disasters
111
1. No escape. For some animals, like newly
hatched, downy nestlings that are unable to fly,
there is simply no way to flee the fire. For
others, escape routes can force wildlife across
roads, putting them at greater risk of being hit
by vehicles. This can lead to more serious
accidents where people can also suffer.
3. Hotter, bigger and more
frequent fires. The increasing
number, size and intensity of
wildfires is bringing very
negative effects on wildlife.
For example: very hot, long-
burning fires damage soil
and its structure. In this case
the process of water
evaporation is damaged – the
water cannot easily
evaporate through the soils
and the amount of humidity
is reduced. The whole
ecosystem is affected.
2. Habitat destruction. Massive wildlife fires in
Western Europe and America, for example, are
destroying forests, some of which can take 120
or more years to recover.

110. Part 1: Prevention
The impact of a heat wave
e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to
Natural Disasters
112
4. More stress. Catastrophic fires make
it harder for wildlife to recover
afterwards. They have to move longer
distances to re-colonize burned areas.
The burned soils have lost important
nutrients after the fires so animals
have to move longer distances in order
to find some food.

111. Part 1: Prevention
The impact of a heat wave
e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to
Natural Disasters
113
5. Changing ecology. Various
species of pine bark beetles which
cause the death of trees became
more heat-resistant. Milder
winters are allowing more beetles
to survive and longer/warmer
summers are allowing more
generations per year, leading to
exploding beetle populations.
Entire forests are being destroyed.
It can take many decades, even
hundreds of years, for mature
forests to return.
4. More stress. Catastrophic fires make
it harder for wildlife to recover
afterwards. They have to move longer
distances to re-colonize burned areas.
The burned soils have lost important
nutrients after the fires so animals
have to move longer distances in order
to find some food.

112. Part 1: Prevention
Heat waves - Impact
e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to
Natural Disasters
114
Here are the most important recorded heat waves in the history of the world.

113. Part 1: Prevention
Heat waves - Impact
e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to
Natural Disasters
115
Using a new 3 dimensional visualization tool developed at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center
Climate Model Data Service (CDS), scientists are able to better examine the patterns of heat
waves.
This science story spotlights the UV-CDAT (Ultrascale Visualization Climate Data Analysis Tool)
and explores how climatologists are utilizing it to investigate the space and time extent of these
potentially catastrophic weather events.

114. Part 1: Prevention
Heat waves - Impact
e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to
Natural Disasters
117
The world record for the longest sequence of days above 100◦
Fahrenheit (or 37.8◦ on the Celsius scale) is held by Marble Bar in
the inland Pilbara district of Western Australia. The temperature,
measured under standard exposure conditions, reached or
exceeded the century mark every day from 31st October 1923 to
7th April 1924, a total of 160 days.

115. Part 1: Prevention
Heat waves - Impact
e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to
Natural Disasters
118
Some of the hottest summers on record to the United States.
Nationally, around 5000 deaths were associated with the heat
wave. What lead to the ”Dust Bowl“?
1) The lack of rain that parched the earth and killed vegetation;
2) poor land management.

116. Part 1: Prevention
Heat waves - Impact
e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to
Natural Disasters
119
It was a period of nine weeks, the weather was consistently dry,
sunny and hot. It should also be remembered that the summer of
1976 marked the culmination of a prolonged drought which began
in April, 1975.

117. Part 1: Prevention
Heat waves - Impact
e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to
Natural Disasters
120
More than 20 000 people died after a record-breaking heat wave
left Europe sweltering in August 2003. The period of extreme heat
is thought to be the warmest for up to 500 years, and many
European countries experienced their highest temperatures on
record.
How Bad Was The Deadliest Heat Wave Ever?

118. Part 1: Prevention
Heat waves - Impact
e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to
Natural Disasters
122
Extreme heat caused wildlife in Kuršių Nerija, on the Curonian Spit,
it‘s National park. At that time 236 hectares of the National park
burned away in just five days. More wildfires occurred shortly after
the 2006 fire. The soil was damaged and is not as heat-resistant as
it was before. Even today the whole area is not yet replanted.

119. e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to
Natural Disasters
123
This educational resource has been produced by the partners of the e-PPR Project (e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and
Response to Natural Disasters) with the support of the Erasmus+ programme.
Unless otherwise stated, this educational resource is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International
License. It is attributed to the partners of the e-PPR project. Further information can be found at www.e-ppr.eu
The authors are committed to respecting the intellectual property rights of others, and have taken all reasonable efforts to ensure
that the reproduction of content (text, pictures, etc.) has been done with the full consent of copyright holders and that all copyright
holders are acknowledged in such reproductions. If you feel that your copyright has not been fully respected, please contact us by
email at projectmanager@e-ppr.eu.
If you are going to use parts of the content with materials whose copyright holder(s) is/are not the authors, it is your responsibility to
make sure you do so, respecting the original holder’s copyrights.
This content is the sole responsibility of the project partners and can in no way be taken to reflect the views of the European Union.
e-Learning for the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to
Natural Disasters
1
Copyright Statement