How to Help People Affected by Heatwaves

Last Updated: June 27, 2024

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On June 23rd, 100 million Americans were living in regions under heat warnings, with temperatures in Baltimore and Philadelphia nearing a blistering 40°C.  In 2003, a heatwave in Europe claimed over 70,000 lives, considered a rare event. However, experts now predict such extreme heatwaves occurring once a decade. Last year, June, July, and August were globally the hottest months on record. August 2023 was 1.5°C hotter on average than the same period from 1850 to 1900, and this year may bring even more intense heat.

In another tragic event, this year, in the summer of 2024,  In Saudi Arabia, as temperatures hit 50°C in the shade, 1,300 of the pilgrims who flocked to Mecca for the hajj have died.

Every year, during the summer months, as heatwave is claiming many lives, here we are trying to provide information and awareness  to promote basic healthy habits (related to nutrition, hydration, sun exposure, among others) that help avoid or reduce the impact negative of high temperatures in our body. This information is aimed at the general population and, especially, those most vulnerable to high temperatures and heatwaves.

Heat wave safety tips

The heat is on. 🥵

If someone is feeling weak, vomiting or has moist or flushed skin, they could have heat stroke. That means you should get them someplace cooler and:

1. First, call 911.
2. Then, immerse the person up to their neck in cold water.
3. Or, apply cold, wet towels… pic.twitter.com/aEA6gOKZkx

— American Red Cross (@RedCross) June 20, 2024

Learn how to help keep your people safe in extreme heat.

Extreme heat can cause serious health issues as the body works harder to maintain its normal temperature. It is crucial to take protective measures during heatwaves.

What is a heat wave?  

Heat waves happen when the temperature is higher than normal for several days in a row. Humidity can increase the intensity and cause it to feel much hotter.

What causes a heat wave?

Heat waves are resulted from warm air being trapped in the atmosphere and are a natural weather phenomenon. Heat waves are increasing in intensity and frequency due to climate change, resulting from greenhouse gas emissions, that is trapping heat for longer.

Who’s most at risk from heat waves?

Here is the list of who are at risk from the heat waves:

• Too much heat is dangerous for everyone's health.
• Infants, children, pregnant women, and the elderly are especially vulnerable to heat stress.
• Babies and children are more susceptible to heat than adults.
• Dehydration in children can be dangerous or even deadly.
• Children’s bodies have more trouble regulating temperature and rely on adults for protection from heat.
• Pregnant women are at greater risk from excessive heat and dehydration.
• Heat exposure can increase the risk of low birthweight, early birth, and stillbirth for the baby.
• Pregnant women can experience early labor, gestational diabetes, and hypertension due to heat.

Take care of yourself in heatwave

One of the greatest dangers of heat waves is that people are not aware of the danger they entail and tend to undervalue their consequences or think that they can affect others but never themselves. Take care of yourself against heat waves, follow the recommendations and protect those around you.

How to help you and others from heatwaves

Beat the heat! Stay hydrated, cool, and informed during heatwaves to avoid dehydration, heat stroke, and even death. Limit activity, seek shade, and wear loose, light clothing. Drink plenty of fluids and keep your home cool. Check on elderly family members.

To stay safe during heatwaves:

• Opt for a diet rich in fresh, light foods with high water content, vitamins, and carbs.
• Limit sugary, caffeinated, and alcoholic beverages to prevent dehydration.
• Keep your living space cool by closing blinds during the day and ventilating rooms at night.
• When traveling, use sun protection, carry fluids, and wear sunglasses. Stay safe!

Disclaimer: This post doesn’t offer any program of Volunteer FDIP. We are sharing this solely as a purpose of conveying this helpful information to the people who want to support the people affected by heatwaves.

We hope you found our information helpful. Please share it with your friends and families:

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