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HomeArticlesCommunityMy Profile WH.translationData = {'es': {'msg':"\u00bfTe gustar\u00eda saber Como sobrevivir a una ola de calor? \u00a1Lee acerca de eso en espa\u00f1ol!"}};WH.mergeLang({'navlist_collapse': '- collapse','navlist_expand': '+ expand'});EditHome » Categories » Sports and Fitness » Outdoor Recreation » Outdoor Safety » Weather SafetyHow to Survive a Heat WaveEdited by GlamObsession, Viral, Desuiseiseki, Bulrush and 32 othersPin ItArticle EditDiscussWhen outside temperatures climb into the triple digits (over 40ºC) for a period of several days or even weeks, this prolonged period of excessive heat is known as a "heat wave". Heat waves are often accompanied by high humidity.[1] While there is also no universal definition of a heat wave, (as people used to a hot climate may already be acclimatized to a period of high heat, where as the same heat visited on people in a usually cooler climate can cause severe disruption and heat deaths due to people not knowing what to do to minimize the risks),[2] the real issue is the health and safety impact of prolonged heat and high humidity.Notorious for causing widespread power outages, hundreds of heat-related illnesses, and even deaths, heat waves are perfectly survivable provided you take appropriate precautions. In general, our ability to regulate high temperatures is impacted by our health, age, and the quality of our shelter. This article is aimed at helping you to cope when the summer heat takes a turn for the worse.
2Understand why excessive heat causes problems for us. Heat pushes the human body beyond its limits and in the case of extreme heat and high humidity, evaporation is slowed and the body has to work extra hard to maintain its normal temperature. Problems occur when a person is over-exposed to heat or overexert themselves. Those most likely to be impacted negatively by excessive, prolonged heat include the elderly, young children, sick persons, and those who are overweight and unfit. It is important to recognize that over-exposure to heat can be fatal. Possible health problems include:
Heat cramps – these are muscular pains or spasms that occur as a result of heavy exertion. Although heat cramps are the least severe of heat health problems, they are a warning sign that your body is not coping well with the heat.Heat exhaustion – this occurs typically when people exercise heavily or work in a hot, humid place where bodily fluids are lost through heavy sweating. The blood flow to the skin increases, causing blood flow to decrease to the vital organs. This results in a mild form of shock. If this goes untreated, the victim's condition will worsen, the body temperature will continue to rise, and heat stroke might occur.Heatstroke – the victim's temperature control system which produces sweating to cool the body simply stops working and the body temperature can rise high enough to cause brain damage and death. A victim in this situation needs to be cooled quickly. Note that sun stroke is usually applied as another term for heat stroke.3Learn how to recognize the environmental conditions that exacerbate the dangers of a heat wave. If you are aware of what makes a heat wave even more dangerous, you can take precautions to limit your exposure to it, as well as keeping an eye out for others who might be affected by it. Things to pay particular attention to include:
Stagnant atmospheric conditions and poor air quality (smog, pollution).Living in an area that is heavily asphalted or covered in concrete - asphalt and concrete store heat longer and gradually release this heat during the night, producing higher nighttime temperatures known as the "urban heat island effect".A prolonged period of excessive heat, especially when combined with excessive humidity.Read the Heat Index. This will show a number in degrees Fahrenheit (F) or degrees Centigrade (C) and it tells you how hot it feels when relative humidity is added to the air temperature. Exposure to full sunshine can increase the heat index by 15 degrees!Surviving a heat wave1Surviving a heat wave is a combination of recognizing that you, your family, and your community are at risk during a period of prolonged heat and knowing what to do to reduce the risks. As part of this, it is important to also keep an eye out on people for whom you are personally responsible, and for helping members of your community where possible.
2Prepare your home for the event of a heat wave. There are some easy but key things you can do to make your home a safer place to be during a heat wave:[3]
Check that your window air conditioners are snugly installed; if not, insulate around them. Check that the air conditioning vents are also properly insulated.Install temporary window reflectors (for use between windows and drapes), such as aluminum foil-covered cardboard. These will reflect heat back outside.Weather-strip doors and sills to keep cool air in.Cover windows that receive morning and afternoon sun. Use drapes, shades, awnings, or louvers. Outdoor awnings and louvers can reduce the heat that enters a home by up to 8 percent.Keep storm windows up.3Dress appropriately for indoors. Indoors, it is important to remove any heavy clothing and to wear as little as modesty and laws permit! Suitable clothing includes:
Loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing.Natural fabrics (cotton, linen, hemp, etc.)Avoid wearing polyester and flannel as these fabrics will hold in sweat, causing you to stew in the humid air.4Dress appropriately for outdoors. When outdoors, it is important to cover up. Still adhering to the loose-fitting, lightweight and natural clothing suggestions in the previous step, cover up as much skin as possible to avoid sunburn.
Protect your head and face by wearing a wide-brimmed hat.Consider wearing clothing made of synthetic sports fabrics that are designed to wick away perspiration.Avoid dark colors as these absorb the heat; light colors reflect it.5Stay indoors as much as possible. Keeping out of the sun is the best way to reduce your exposure to the heat. In addition, find non-strenuous activities to do inside.
If your home isn't air-conditioned or cooled with a water-evaporation system, consider spending the warmest part of the day (or even night) in public buildings such as libraries, schools, movie theaters, shopping malls, and other community facilities. Many of these are specially opened by public authorities during a time of a heat wave, so check for extended hours. There are even local cooling centers opened in some places to help people cool down.If your house has more than one story, or you live in a multi-story building, stay on the lowest floor out of the sunshine if the air conditioning is not available. You can put makeshift beds downstairs during the heat wave if needed; ask the concierge to sort out something for residents if you are part of a condominium.Put on a fan. Circulating air can cool the body by increasing the evaporation rate of perspiration. A fan can help move the air around your house and will be useful for pulling in relatively cool air at night, but do not rely on a fan to keep cool during the day. A fan will not prevent heat-related illnesses when the temperatures are over 98.6ºF (37ºC). A cool shower is a much more effective way to cool off.6Stay hydrated. Be sure to drink lots of liquids, especially water.
Avoid or minimize alcoholic, carbonated, and caffeinated beverages as these can dehydrate you.Drink more than you think you need. You need to replenish the liquid removed by sweating and sweating is a key part of keeping you cool.Persons who have epilepsy or heart, kidney, or liver disease; are on fluid-restricted diets; or have a problem with fluid retention should consult a doctor before increasing liquid intake.If you're sweating a lot, be quick to replace lost salts and minerals as well as water. Fruit juice or sports drinks with electrolytes are good choices, but do not take salt tablets unless directed to by your doctor. Taking calcium supplements, however, is a good idea.Drink cool (but not icy cold) liquids to help lower your body temperature. Try to keep water refrigerated prior to drinking, if possible.7Eat lightly. Hot foods and high-calorie or high-protein meals raise your body's metabolism and its temperature, which is the opposite of what you need to stay healthy during a heat wave. Think fresh fruits and vegetables, cold salads, etc. and be sure to eat light, well-balanced and regular meals. Some good things to try would include:
a fruit salada salada watermelon, mint, and raspberry saladhealthy snacksSpanish gazpacho.8Take steps to practice appropriate heat wave behavior. When exercising, working, or performing exerting activities, keep these things in mind:
With exercise, pace yourself - this is not the time to take up running. It may, in fact, be time to stop running for a while, unless you can do so at night when the temperatures have cooled down. If you wish to exercise outdoors but aren't acclimatised to the temperature, start slowly and pick up the pace gradually. Pay close attention to how you feel. If your heart is pounding and you're short of breath, stop immediately, go into a cool environment to rest, and drink plenty of fluids.With work, avoid strenuous work during the warmest part of the day. Use a buddy system when working in extreme heat, and take frequent breaks. If your main work takes place outside, it is likely that your workplace will arrange to find shelter, alternative work, or alternative working hours when the heat is less oppressive. If you work for yourself in the outdoors, change your working hours to the early morning where possible, to avoid the day's heat.Breathe through your nose to avoid water escaping through the mouth. It will help to keep your body hydrated longer.Looking after others1Look out for signs of heat stress and exhaustion in all members of your family and others close to you. Be vigilant and explain to them the importance of taking steps to minimize the effects of heat during a heat wave.
2Never leave children or pets in parked cars, even for brief periods of time. The temperature inside the vehicle can rise to 120ºF (49ºC) or more within minutes, enough heat to kill someone very quickly.
3Check on neighbors, family, and friends, especially those who are elderly, sick, or not able to take care of themselves without assistance and those who live alone. If you know that a neighbor lives alone and is at risk of health problems from heat (especially where they do not have air conditioning), try to contact family members to come and help. If that is not possible, your local emergency services might be able to help but if you can ease the burden on them by taking care of such a person yourself, that is the better option.
First Aid for heat illnesses1Understand what heat related illnesses are and how to identify the symptoms, such as heat cramps, which are painful spasms in the muscles of the arms, legs, and abdomen.
Heat exhaustion is a serious condition and should be treated as soon as possible. The symptoms of heat exhaustion include:[4]PallorCool, clammy skin, sweatingExtreme fatigue, weaknessNauseaDizzinessLight-headednessVomitingFaintingComplaining of feeling hotThirstHeatstroke is an emergency. Anyone exhibiting the signs and symptoms of heat stroke should seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms include:[5]Red, flushed skin - may become paleA body temperature of 106ºF (41ºC) or higherSeizuresExtreme headacheRapid breathingRapid pulseSweating ceasesConfusionUnconsciousness.2Check out the following articles to know what to do in the event of heat injuries:
Save the Life of a Person Suffering Heat StrokeTreat HeatstrokeRecognize Symptoms of Heat StressStay Hydrated During the SummerStay Cool Using the 'Ice to Wrist' MethodGet Rid of SunstrokeTreat Heat Illnesses and Heat RashTreat Sunburn Using Natural Products.Edit TipsMake sure that you have plenty of water to drink as it is very hotKeeping a hand fan with you, especially if you go outside, is a good idea. It can be a lifesaver in a hot bus!Don't undertake difficult, hot travel or movement during the daytime. If you must travel, the best time is by night, when it is much cooler.Always pay close attention to those who are at higher risk for heat-related illnesses. They include:The elderlyInfants and young children up to the age of fourThose who perform strenuous activities outdoors (i.e. sports coaches, athletes, campers, etc.)Overweight and obese peoplePeople with certain health problems, such as heart disease, respiratory illnesses, and compromised immune systemsThe homeless.If you plan to be out and about during a heat wave, some cities may open designated cooling centers at various locations to visit if you feel overheated. Water, air-conditioning, and first-aid stations are typically provided.Look at your urine to tell if you're dehydrated. Normal urine should be clear colored, or light yellow. If the color is any darker, you may be dehydrated.[6] During a heat wave, drink 1 liter of water every 2 hours.Edit WarningsDrinking or eating icy cold or frozen things (i.e. ice cream, slushies) can be counter productive because it cools your body core only, fooling your body's temperature control mechanism. [citation needed]If there is a drought going on in your area, observe all relevant laws and guidelines, such as not watering the grass or filling up swimming pools. Where you are legally obliged to reduce water usage, you may end up paying severe fines or even prison time if you fail to cooperate. Listen to the news, especially news about the heat wave, for any laws passed to combat a drought.Heat waves and "heat storms" (a prolonged and severe heat wave) are to be taken seriously. Use common sense.Heat waves have been known to start wild-fires and bush-fires across drought-infested areas. Be careful when travelling or living in these areas.Edit Things You'll NeedSelf-powered radio - some have the weather band for monitoring weather related matters.Self powered flashlightGeneratorEdit Related wikiHowsHow to Assess the Quality of a Sports DrinkHow to Cool Down a Horse After Hard WorkHow to Cool Your Cat Down in the SummerHow to Cool Yourself Down on a Hot DayHow to Cool Yourself Without Air ConditioningHow to Stay Safe in the SunEdit Sources and CitationsFEMA, Are you ready? Extreme heat, http://www.fema.gov/areyouready/heat.shtm – government public domain research source.? FEMA, Are you ready? Extreme heat, http://www.fema.gov/areyouready/heat.shtm? Wikipedia, Heat Wave, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heat_wave? FEMA, Are you ready? Extreme heat, http://www.fema.gov/areyouready/heat.shtm? St John, The New Zealand First Aid Handbook, p. 60, (2009), ISBN 978-014-301187-3? St John, The New Zealand First Aid Handbook, p. 60, (2009), ISBN 978-014-301187-3? Merck, Dehydration, http://www.merck.com/pubs/mmanual_ha/sec3/ch18/ch18b.htmlArticle Info Featured Article
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If you have a plastic tube container with a lovely design on it, rather than tossing it away when the contents are used up, consider turning it into a dainty bag. This easy repurposing project produces a delightful tiny bag for holding a treasure or a small coin, or it could be used for a doll or for display. Edit StepsMaking the Bag from the Tube1Remove the neck from the tube. Simply cut it off in a straight line.2Cut out the bag shape. Follow the bag shape as shown in the diagram:
Leave the base of the tube intact.Cut the bag lid or top as shown by the lines within the pink area of the diagram. Cut a slight curve across the top of the base part of the bag, as shown in the diagram.Cut off a ring from the very top part of the tube (the area just under the neck that you've already removed). This will become the bag's handle.Use a hole punch to punch out a circle in the top part of the bag, as shown in the diagram above. The hole must be the same size as the plastic bead you're using as the button clasp.For the smaller hole, use a small sharp object to pierce it. You may want to leave making this until the next section (Making the Button Clasp).If needed, tidy up the base of the bag by trimming (but don't cut it open).3Fix the external design. If the tube already has a design printed on it that you're happy with, you can skip this step. On the other hand, if you don't like the proprietary design, you can fix it using decorative tape.
Stick on a basic shape or make a collage using decorative tape.Make sure that it covers up any ugly print or imagery that you don't want to show.Use any other decorative items to embellish as liked.Making the Button Clasp
2Make a ball at one end of the plastic thread. To know how to make the ball, refer to the plastic ball making method outlined in How to make a reminder ring from a plastic tag thread.3Thread on the small glass bead, down to the plastic ball you've just formed. Follow with the large plastic bead. Pull this tight against the small hole in the bag.4Thread on another glass bead on the thread on the inside of the bag (this is to protect the bag plastic from the flame). Pull the bead tightly against the small hole. Make another plastic ball to firmly attach the remaining thread in place (see method above). Trim off any excess thread.Adding the Handle1Slip the ring handle around the area where the lid joins the bag's base. When the lid is closed, this will turn into a handle that can be held upward.
2Close the lid over the button. This will fasten the handle in place and the bag is now complete!
Using Beads as a Handle
2Slip onto the bag as for the plastic band handle.Using the Miniature Bag1Use the small bag. There are many possibilities for using this miniature bag.Use it as a charm. Attach to a real-size bag for a cute matching curio.
Slide over the arm of a doll. This could be something a child plays with or the doll could be placed on display.Add to gift packaging for a cute touch.Use on a keyring.Edit TipsYou can use the beaded handle method when you want to change the length of the handle.Make bags from different tube sizes for a variety of colors, sizes and effects.
Tube capacity 250-300 cc
Tube container in small sizes
Plastic tag thread or plastic threadGlass seed beadsOne larger plastic bead (this is a substitute for a buttons; it needs to be the same size as the hole made in the bag's lid)Seal and decorative tape (optional)ScissorsHole punchLighter for melting plastic ballsEdit Related wikiHowsHow to Make a Herical Spring from a Plastic BottleHow to Make a Blade Sheath from Plastic StrawsHow to Make a Ribbon Bow from a Plastic StrawHow to Make a Coin Purse from a Tube ContainerArticle Info Featured Article\ABS\Auto Blog Samurai\data\Beta Game Testers Needed\wikihow\-crop-44-33-33px-Cc-stocker_875.jpg)
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