beat the heat this summer, remember three simple words: water, rest and shade.
Drink water often, take breaks and stay out of the sun. Remembering these words
can help prevent heat-related illness.
and play outdoors puts you at risk of heat-related illness. This risk becomes
greater as the weather gets hotter and more humid. This situation is
particularly serious when hot weather arrives suddenly, before you've had a
chance to adapt to warm weather.
Today's Heat Index? When outdoors in hot weather, both air temperature
and humidity affect how hot you feel. The "heat index" is a single value that
takes both temperature and humidity into account. (Weather reports call it the
"feels like" temperature.) The higher the heat index, the hotter the weather
feels. At high heat index levels, sweat does not readily evaporate and cool the
skin. The heat index is a better measure than air temperature alone for
estimating the risk of heat-related illness from environmental heat sources
illness is preventable. Follow these guidelines when you're outdoors in
- Wear light-colored, loose-fitting, breathable clothing. Cotton is usually
good, but so are modern fabrics that breathe and wick away moisture. Avoid
- Pace yourself and gradually build up to heavy work in hot conditions. This
helps you build tolerance to the heat - or become acclimated.
- Check the forecast, predict heat index, and plan your day. In hot weather,
schedule activities to limit being outdoors to coolest parts of day.
- Find ways to be in the shade. Erect an umbrella or temporary awning.
- Take more rest breaks in extreme heat and humidity. Take breaks in the shade
or a cool area when possible.
- Drink water frequently. Drink enough water that you never become thirsty.
Approximately 1 cup every 15-20 minutes.
- Avoid alcohol, and drinks with large amounts of caffeine or sugar.
- Use a buddy system. When working or playing in the heat, monitor the
condition of your co-workers and buddies, and have someone do the same for you.
- Monitor yourself for the signs and symptoms of heat-related illness listed
below. Let others know how you feel.
and symptoms of heat-related illness include headache, dizziness,
lightheadedness, fainting, weakness, mood change, mental confusion, upset
stomach or vomiting. Anyone experiencing the above symptoms should be taken to
the nearest hospital emergency department as soon as possible. Contact Yale
Employee Health at 203-432-7978 if you have any questions.
and Managers: Departments with employees or students who normally work
outdoors or in unconditioned indoor environments need to address heat stress in
their planning. Supervisors and instructors who oversee outdoor activities
should review safety precautions and warning signs. Monitor the weather and
curtail outdoor activities when the heat index is high.
and Advice: For further assistance, please contact Yale Environmental
Health and Safety (EHS) at 203-785-3550. EHS can also suggest appropriate
controls to reduce your risk of heat-related illness.
an App To Beat the Heat. The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) and
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) have developed a tool for
your mobile phone. The "Heat Safety Tool" can be downloaded to your Android or
iPhone now. Visit: http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/heatillness/heat_index/heat_app.html
for complete information.