Dangerous Heat Wave Continues and Could Soon Be Hitting Your Town

With beautiful clear skies, 75-degree weather, and people enjoying a morning jog and going to the beach in Santa Barbara, you would not think there is an oven of pure heat broiling the central United States, one which is sweeping the country and could soon arrive to the Central Coast.

Triple digit temperatures continue to pound the United States. At least 14 states have been served with excessive heat warnings by the National Weather Service. Several daily temperatures have been broken from Alpena, Michigan, to Miami Florida. Excessive heat watches, warnings and heat advisories are in effect today for a large portion of the central United States.

The heat wave that has been affecting much of the central U.S. continues to produce dangerous levels of heat and humidity. Heat index values as high as 131°F were reported yesterday. According to the National Weather Service, by midweek the hot temperatures will begin to spread into the eastern states with high temperatures in the mid to upper 90s. Triple digit temperatures are forecast to remain in place across the eastern Unites States through the weekend.

Even national past times like baseball are suffering from this excessive heat. In Monday's Philadelphia Phillies vs. Chicago Cubs baseball game. Phillies pitcher Roy Halladay was forced to leave the game early, his face red and jersey soaked complaining of being lightheaded and unable to concentrate, as temperatures at Chicago's Wrigley Field soared into the 90s.

So what can you do to stay safe and avoid seeing the ER during extremely hot temperatures?

Emergency services such as the American Red Cross and your local firefighters recommend the following tips to beat the heat:

• Drink plenty of fluids. During hot weather you will need to increase your fluid intake, regardless of your activity level. Don't wait until you're thirsty to drink.
• Eat small meals and more often.
• Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
• Slow down, stay indoors and avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day.
• Use a buddy system when working in excessive heat.
• Take frequent breaks if working outdoors.
• Check on family, friends and neighbors who do not have air conditioning, who spend much of their time alone or who are more likely to be affected by the heat.
• Check on animals frequently to ensure that they are not suffering from the heat. Ensure they have water and a shady place to rest.
• Never leave children or pets alone in enclosed vehicles.
• For the elderly, stay indoors and in a cool place.

If someone is exhibiting signs of heat exhaustion (cool, moist, pale or flushed skin, heavy sweating, headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness exhaustion), move them to a cooler place, remove or loosen tight clothing and spray the person with water or apply cool, wet cloths or towels to the skin. Fan the person. If they are conscious, give small amounts of cool water to drink. Make sure the person drinks slowly. Watch for changes in condition. If the person refuses water, vomits or begins to lose consciousness, call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number.

Heat stroke is life-threatening. Signs include hot, red skin which may be dry or moist; changes in consciousness; vomiting; and high body temperature. Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number immediately. Move the person to a cooler place. Quickly cool the person’s body by immersing them up to their neck in cold water if possible. Otherwise, douse or spray the person with cold water, or you can cover the person with cold, wet towels or bags of ice.

© Black Velvet Productions 2011 TIME LAPSE COURTESY OF BRANDON DAVIS

For more information, please contact the American Red Cross.

SELECTED HIGH HEAT INDEX VALUES FROM MONDAY JUL 18 2011