Emergency Preparedness: Excessive Heat

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Watch Excessive Heat Preparedness Tips with Scott Overpeck (Open English Captioning)

Watch Excessive Heat Preparedness Tips (Part 1 of 2) in American Sign Language with Roger Robb

Watch Excessive Heat Preparedness Tips & About Heat-related Illness (Part 2 of 2) in American Sign Language with Roger Robb

Watch Being Prepared: Excessive Heat (with Audio Description for Visually Impaired)

Being Prepared: Heat

But it’s a dry heat. If you live in New Mexico or the western United States, you’ve probably heard these words or even been guilty of saying them. But don’t be fooled! Heat, even dry heat, is an often underrated weather hazard. In fact, extreme heat has killed more people in the last ten years than any other type of weather phenomenon.

What is considered excessive heat will be dependent on where you live. For the Albuquerque NWS office, this is even more dependent on geographic location.

For mountain zones, Heat Advisories are issued when the heat index exceeds 95 degrees. Excessive Heat Warnings are issued when the heat index exceeds 100 degrees.
For central and western areas, Heat Advisories are issued when the heat index exceeds 100 degrees. Excessive Heat Warnings are issued when the heat index exceeds 105 degrees.
For the eastern plains, Heat Advisories are issued when the heat index exceeds 105 degrees. Excessive Heat Warnings are issued when the heat index exceeds 110 degrees.

A map of northern and central New Mexico with certain areas highlighted to indicate a hypothetical Heat Advisory in effect. — *A hypothetical Heat Advisory for northwestern New Mexico.*

A map of northern and central New Mexico with select areas highlighted to indicate a hypothetical Excessive Heat Warning in effect. — *A hypothetical Excessive Heat Warning for central & east central New Mexico.*

Heat-related illnesses happen when the body is not able to properly cool itself. Sweating is the body’s natural response to cool itself, but sometimes, that’s not enough. Make sure you know the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke! Symptoms of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, weakness or tiredness, cool, pale, and clammy skin, a fast or weak pulse, muscle cramps, dizziness, nausea, or vomiting. If you or someone you know is experiencing heat exhaustion, move to a cooler environment immediately, loosen clothing, and apply cool, wet cloths. If the person is vomiting or any symptoms last longer than one hour, seek medical attention immediately.

Heat stroke is the most serious form of heat-related illness and needs to be treated immediately. Symptoms of heat stroke include headaches, confusion, nausea, dizziness, fainting, loss of consciousness, and a body temperature above 103 degrees. If you or someone else is experiencing heat stroke, do not give the victim any fluids. Call 9-1-1 or go to a hospital immediately. Heat stroke can be fatal if not treated in time.

Heat Related Illness: Heat Exhaustion or Heat Stroke. Heat exhaustion can lead to faintness or dizziness, excessive sweating, cool pale clammy skin, nausea an irregular rapid or weak pulse or muscle cramps. Heat stroke can be accompanied with a throbbing headache, confusion, no sweating, body temperature above 103 degrees F, red hot skin, nausea or vomiting, a rapid strong pulse, or even a loss of conciousness.

Be sure you’re keeping an eye on the forecast so that you’re prepared when extreme heat is expected. Things you can do ahead of time include covering your windows with drapes or shades, weather-stripping your door and windows, add insulation to keep the heat out, and install window air conditioners. Make sure you identify places in your community where you can go to get cool. Cooling centers are useful if you don’t have air conditioning or if you lose power during a heat wave.

Practice Heat Safety wherever you are. Job Sites: stay hydrated and take breaks in the shade as often as possible. Indoors: Check up on the elderly, sick and those without AC. Vehicles: Never leave kids or pets unattended - LOOK before you LOCK. Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade, and stay hydrated. Heat-related deaths are preventable. Protect yourself and others from the impacts of heat waves.

During extreme heat, take actions that will keep you cool. Stay hydrated and wear loose, lightweight, and light-colored clothing. Avoid strenuous activities. If you are outdoors, find shade as often as you can and wear a hat for protection. If you can, reschedule any outdoor activities to early or late in the day to avoid the midday heat. Don’t forget your pets! Make sure they are staying hydrated and protect their paws from asphalt and pavement. Look before you lock! Never leave people or pets in a locked car, even if “only” for a moment.

Heat-Related Deaths ARE Preventable. LOOK BEFORE YOU LOCK. The temperature in your car can quickly become deadly!