Heat Stroke
Drought is a prolonged and significant lack of precipitation, more often at elevated temperatures and low air humidity.
Intense heat – characterized by an excess of the average positive ambient temperature by 10 degrees or more for several days.
The danger lies in the thermal overheating of a person, i.e. the threat of an increase in his body temperature above 37.1° C or a heat disorder – the body temperature approaching 38.8° C. A thermal emergency occurs when prolonged and/or severe overheating can lead to heat stroke or cardiac dysfunction. Symptoms of overheating are: redness of the skin, dry mucous membranes, intense thirst. In the future, loss of consciousness, cardiac and respiratory arrest is possible.
Preparing for a drought/intense heat
Stock extra containers and fill them with water ahead of time if needed. Prepare clothes suitable for the heat conditions, electrical appliances (fans, air conditioners). If you are in a rural area – equip awnings, gazebos, wells, as well as shutters (blackout curtains) for windows. If possible, purchase an autonomous source of electricity to ensure the operation of electrical household appliances. Use water sparingly. Know and teach your family members how to act properly in case of a heat injury.
How to deal with a drought/intense heat
Avoid exposure to elevated temperatures. Wear light-colored, breathable clothing (preferably cotton) with a hat. Remember that burned skin stops sweating and cooling. Move slowly, try to be in the shade more often. Do not drink beer and other alcoholic beverages, this will lead to a deterioration in the general condition of the body. Check with your doctor if you need extra salt during the heat. For heat damage, immediately move to shade, wind or take a shower, drink slowly plenty of water. Try to cool your body down to avoid heat stroke. In case of loss of consciousness by someone from those around you, carry out resuscitation measures (do a heart massage and artificial respiration). Remember that during a drought, the likelihood of fires increases.
Created based on materials from the official Internet portal EMERCOM of the Russian Federation
