PHILIPSBURG--As the temperature continues to remain high, Collective Prevention Services (CPS) is urging residents to stay cool and hydrated as “extremely hot weather” can result in illness and in severe cases, can cause death.
CPS said in a press release on Tuesday that heat waves are amongst the “most dangerous” natural hazards that have a significant impact on society.
Heat stress is a heat-related illness caused by the body’s inability to cool down properly. The body normally cools itself by sweating, but under some conditions, sweating just isn’t enough, CPS said. In such cases, a person’s body temperature rises rapidly. Very high body temperatures may damage the brain or other vital organs.
Heat-related illnesses or death are preventable. During the hottest hours of the day stay out of the sun, CPS advises. “Stay in an air-conditioned area or well- ventilated cool area. If you don't have air conditioning, make use of public places such as shops, a shopping mall or go to the library to stay cool. Wear light, loose-fitting clothing. Drink water often; invest in a water bottle to keep with you at all times and refill as soon as it is empty,” CPS continued.
“Don't wait until you are thirsty. Make it a habit to take a sip every now and then. Drink at least two litres of water per day. Avoid unnecessary strenuous physical activities if you are outside or in a building without air-conditioning. Avoid unnecessary sun exposure.”
When in the sun, CPS said, avoid unnecessary sun exposure; wear a hat, preferably with a wide brim and use shades to protect your eyes from ultra violet over exposure.
A cool and/or shaded environment is the strongest protective factor against heat-related illness, CPS added. Exposure to cool air for even a few hours a day will reduce the risk for heat-related illness.
Heat or hot weather that lasts for several days, often referred to as “a heat wave,” can have a significant impact on society, including a rise in mortality and morbidity.
Heat waves, CPS continued, also place an increased strain on infrastructure (power, water and transport). Clothes and food retailing, tourism and ecosystem services can also be affected, so that there may be socio-economic “winners and losers” from heat wave events. In some instances, heat waves may even trigger social disturbances at a number of levels.
The impact of heat waves can be great and sometimes catastrophic, as manifested by the large number of heat-related deaths recorded across Europe in July and August 2003, and the Russian Federation in July and August 2010.
Over the past 50 years, hot days, hot nights and heat waves have become more frequent throughout the world.
The length, frequency and intensity of heat waves will likely increase over most land areas during this century, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
Recently, both India and Pakistan have been hit by deadly heat waves, killing hundreds of people. CPS urges the public to take the necessary measures to protect themselves against heat-related illness.
