Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are dangerous conditions that can occur in hot weather. Heat exhaustion involves feeling weak, dizzy, and nauseous with a normal or elevated temperature under 104°F, while heat stroke can be life-threatening with very high body temperature over 104°F and symptoms like confusion and loss of consciousness. To prevent these conditions, it is important to drink plenty of water, take breaks in the shade, and avoid strenuous activity during the hottest parts of the day. Thunderstorms and lightning can also be dangerous, with an average of 80 lightning deaths per year in the US. It is safest to go indoors when thunderstorms threaten and to avoid contact with electrical equipment or plumbing until

1. Think Abel – Think Safety
Summer 2010
Welcome to another issue of our Safety Heat Exhaustion vs. Heat Stroke:
Bulletin. Since the summer of 2010
arrived most of us have experienced very Knowing The Difference!
warm temperatures. Over the last few
With the hot weather upon us, heat stroke and heat exhaustion play an everyday part in
months we have had some record break-
today’s workforce, but do you know the difference?
ing heat: combine that with the high
humidity and you have very uncomfort- Heat Exhaustion – This condition often Heat Stroke – This medical condition is
able conditions. occurs when people exercise (work or life-threatening. The person’s cooling sys-
In this issue we would like to address a play) in a hot, humid place and body fluids tem, which is controlled by the brain, stops
few points regarding summertime condi- are lost through sweating, causing the body working and the internal body temperatures
tions such as, heat exhaustion and heat to overheat. The person’s temperature may rises to the point where brain damage or
stroke, driving in heavy rain, and light- be elevated, but not above 104°F. damage to other internal organs may result
ning storms. Signs & Symptoms for Heat Exhaustion: (temperature may reach 105+°F).
• Normal, low, or elevated body Signs & Symptoms for Heat Stroke:
Amazing Weather temperature • Very high temperature (104°F or
• Cool, clammy, pale skin. Sweating higher)
Facts • Dry mouth. Thirst • Hot, dry, red skin. No sweating
One inch of rain over one square mile • Fatigue. Weakness. Feeling Dizzy • Deep breathing and fast pulse. Then
equals to 17.4 million gallons (66 mil- • Headache shallow breathing and weak pulse
lion liters) of water. • Nausea - Vomiting can occur • Confusion. Hallucinations
The weight of one inch of water over • Muscle cramps • Convulsions
one square mile equals over 145 million • Weak or rapid pulse • Loss of consciousness
pounds (66 million kg).
Prevention
145 million pounds of water is almost • Drink lots of liquids. Drink water and drinks that replenish electrolytes and salt
73,000 tons or the weight of 241 loco- (Gatorade, Powerade, etc.) If you have clear, pale urine, you are probably drinking
motives. This is a lot of water held up enough fluids. Dark-colored urine is an indication that you're dehydrated.
by wind. • Drink plenty of water before starting an outdoor activity.
Clouds are made of trillions of tiny • During an outdoor activity, take frequent breaks. Drink water or other fluids every 15
droplets of water (or when cold enough, to 20 minutes, even if you don't feel thirsty.
ice crystals)! • Do not stay in or leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle during hot weather.
There is so much water in the air that if • Do not have drinks with caffeine or alcohol.
it all fell as rain at the same time, it • Use caution when you are in the sun. At the first sign of heat exhaustion, get out of
could fill enough buckets to reach from the sun. If you can, avoid midday heat. Do not do vigorous activity during the hottest
the earth to the sun 57 million times! part of the day (11:00 AM to 4:00 PM).
You can tell the temperature by count- • Wear light, loose-fitting clothing, such as cotton, so sweat
ing the clicks a cricket makes in 15 sec- can evaporate. Wear a wide-brimmed hat with vents. Use
onds and adding 37! an umbrella for shade.
The air in the core of a lightning bolt • If you feel very hot, try to cool off. Open a window, use
has been estimated to be heated to as a fan, go to an air conditioned place.
much as 54,000 degrees Fahrenheit. • Use sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of
That happens to be about six times hot- 15 or more.
ter than the surface of the sun! • Check with your doctor about sun exposure if are taking
medication; some have adverse reactions to sun exposure.

2. Thunderstorms and Lightning Stormy Weather
All thunderstorms are dangerous. Every life and property to those in the path of Driving
thunderstorm produces lightning. In the the storm. As long as we have the heat and humidi-
US, an average of 300 people are injured What to Do Before a Thunderstorm ty, we all know that the chance of having
and 80 people are killed each year by To prepare for a thunderstorm, you should heavy pop-up thunderstorms caused by
lightning. Although most lightning victims do the following: cold fronts moving across the area will
survive, people struck by lightning often no doubt cause havoc for some motorists
• Remove dead or rotting trees and
report long-term, debilitating symptoms. and create hazardous driving conditions.
branches that could fall and cause injury
Other associated dangers of thunderstorms
or damage during a severe thunderstorm. In stormy conditions, it is more difficult to
include tornadoes, strong winds, hail, and
• “If thunder roars, go indoors” because see other vehicles, road signs and the road
flash flooding. Flash flooding is responsi-
no place outside is safe when lightning is itself. Make sure you can be seen and, by
ble for more fatalities than any other thun-
in the area. Stay indoors until 30 minutes the way, it’s the law: headlights on when
derstorm-related hazard.
have passed after you hear the last clap wipers are in use.
Facts About Thunderstorms of thunder. Slow down! Hydroplaning is very likely
• They may occur without notice, appear • Have flashlights handy in case of to happen with just a small amount of
in individual or as multiple storms. power failure, avoid using candles due water on the roadway, not to mention the
• Some of the most severe occur when a to risk of fire. oil mixed with it.
single thunderstorm affects one location Summary of Lightning Safety Tips for Hydroplaning is when your car’s tires can-
for an extended time. not channel the water out of the grooves
Inside the Home
• Thunderstorms typically produce heavy fast enough, therefore your car actually
• Avoid contact with corded phones.
rain for a brief period, anywhere from 30 becomes airborne on top of the wet road
• Avoid contact with electrical equipment
minutes to an hour. surface and you will not have control of
or cords. If you plan to unplug any elec-
• Warm, humid conditions are highly steering or braking at that point.
tronic equipment, do so well before the
favorable for thunderstorm development. Stay toward the middle lane of the road;
storm arrives.
Facts About Lightning • Avoid contact with plumbing. Do not: running water tends to pool up in the out-
• Lightning’s unpredictability increases the wash your hands, take a shower, wash side lane of the road or median, and when
risk to individuals and property. dishes, and do not do laundry. you hit that, it’ll stop your car dead.
• Lightning often strikes outside of heavy • Stay away from windows and doors, and Increase your stopping distance from the
rain and may occur as far as 10 miles stay off porches. vehicle in front of you by two car lengths.
away from any rainfall. • Do not lie on concrete floors and do not Watch the vehicle ahead of you closely; if
• “Heat lightning” is actually lightning lean against concrete walls. that car hits a wall of water so will you.
from a thunderstorm too far away for The following are guidelines for what you Avoid driving on the sides or directly
thunder to be heard. should do if a thunderstorm is likely in behind a truck or bus; the spray from them
• Most lightning deaths and injuries occur your area: reduces your visibility significantly.
when people are caught outdoors in the • Postpone any outdoor activities. Avoid hard braking to avoid skidding, and
summer months during the afternoon • Get inside a home, building, or hard top pump your breaks periodically to dry
and evening. automobile (not a convertible). Although them off.
Know Your Thunderstorms and Lightning you may be injured if lightning strikes One last reminder - never use your cruise
Familiarize yourself with these two terms your car, you are much safer inside a control during a rainstorm. When your
to help identify a thunderstorm hazard: vehicle than outside. tires loose connection with the road,
Severe Thunderstorm Watch • Remember, rubber-soled shoes and rub- cruise control will continue to make your
Tells you when and where severe thunder- ber tires provide NO protection from wheels spin, making it more likely to lose
storms are likely to occur. Watch or listen lightning. However, the steel frame of a control of your vehicle.
to weather bulletins for your area. A bat- hard-topped vehicle provides increased
tery operated radio is recommended in case protection if you are not touching metal.
of power failure. • Secure outdoor objects that could blow
away or cause damage.
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
• Avoid showering or bathing. Plumbing
Issued when severe weather has been and bathroom fixtures can conduct
reported by spotters or indicated by radar. electricity.
Warnings indicate imminent danger to
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