Heat waves

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Heat waves

The National Weather Service developed the heat index to help people identify days when the risk for a heat illness is higher than normal. During a heat wave, the heat index is excessive for many days in a row. Everyone has an increased risk for a heat-related illness during a summer heat wave.

People who have an increased risk of developing heat-related illness during a heat wave include:

• Older adults, who may not notice excessive heat, do not sweat as effectively, or do not feel thirsty.
• Small children, who can't transfer heat very well.
• People with chronic medical conditions.
• People taking medications, such as heart medications or tranquilizers, for serious psychiatric disorders or depression.
• People with weight problems.
• People with alcohol or drug use problems.
• People with mental health or developmental problems.

Other factors that affect a person's risk for a heat-related illness during a heat wave include:

• Living in cities, because heat is trapped by tall buildings and air pollutants.
• Living alone.
• Not having cooling devices, such as fans or air-conditioning.

Credits

Last updated:	October 07, 2008
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Reviewed By:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer