Extreme Heat: Who’s Most At-Risk?

No one likes oppressive heat conditions that are commonplace during the summertime. However, a few select groups are more at-risk for heat illnesses such as heat stroke and heat exhaustion. Here we will discuss who should be extra cautious and what can be done to keep them safe from extreme heat.

Children

Children of all ages need to be especially monitored when extreme temperatures are on the rise. Since children are outside most days, they are at a higher risk due to the amount of exposure they receive. One thing to note about kids too, they are less able to regulate their body temperatures like adults are. When it comes to kids, prevention is the best way to keep them safe from extreme heat. 

Simply have them wear loose fitting and light-colored clothing and keep them hydrated while out in the sun. If you can, keep them from direct sunlight and plan activities for indoors rather than outdoors on heat-threatening days. NEVER leave them unattended in a vehicle as it will only take minutes for the temperatures to reach dangerous levels.

Athletes

Since outdoor activities expose athletes to the elements, they are also considered at a higher risk level than most people. This goes extra for athletes such as football players who must wear heavy equipment while performing. The best thing athletes can do to remain safe from extreme heat conditions is to stay hydrated and take frequent breaks to avoid overexertion. 

Elderly 

Older adults or the elderly are often isolated or living by themselves. This elevates their risk of being seriously harmed or injured from heat-related illnesses such as heat stroke or heat exhaustion. Their risk is further elevated by any health issues that they may have. This is why it is especially important to check on elderly people who live alone because a prolonged heat event could lead to power outages. Should this happen, they could become stranded and sustain injuries.

Pregnancy

Extreme temperatures can produce further discomfort for those who are pregnant. Since the body is undergoing multiple changes, the high heat can exacerbate all issues that are taking place during a pregnancy. In fact, too much exposure to high temperatures can lead to birth issues. It is best to remain in a cool, temperature-controlled environment and limit outdoor exposure while pregnant as well as remain hydrated. Also, reduce caffeine intake and wear loose fitting clothing.

Emergency Personnel

Normally the people who run to the danger rather than away from it, emergency responders are at-risk when temperatures rise to dangerous heights. Being on the front lines of duty, emergency responders will have to follow strict ordnances to keep themselves safe while protecting others. Since most emergency responders such as police officers, firefighters and paramedics work on a team, everyone should monitor their comrades for any heat-related symptoms. Encourage each other to rest when needed and plan ahead for any extreme weather events.

Outdoor/Indoor Workers

People who work in construction, agriculture and/or fishing are typically working in environments where air conditioning is not readily available. This means that they are at a higher risk of heat-related illnesses due to the physicality of their jobs. Especially for workers in cities rather than rural areas, they can be at risk of higher-than-normal temperatures due to a phenomenon known as an urban heat island effect. Cities can be up to 30 degrees warmer during the day and 20 degrees warmer at night. 

Workers will need to take more breaks than normal and hydrate frequently while outside. If possible, limit exposure to the heat and refrain from heavy lifting or overexertion on high temperature days. 

Sources: NIHHIS, NOAA

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