PATIO MISTERS

Dangers Of Heat

In the past 10 years, more people have died in the United States from heat related illnesses than from hurricanes, tornadoes, lightning and fires combined. The numbers are staggering. In Europe, over 20,000 people died from the heat during the summer of 2003.

Prevention, knowledge and preparedness are the keys to prevent disaster from happening.

Army medical studies have revealed that 20% of all people exposed to 90°F or more suffer from some sort of heat related injury. Not all heat related illnessess are incapacitating, but all of them cause some sort of reduction in performance.

Heat Stroke

Heat Stroke occurs when the body fails to regulate its own temperature and body temperature continues to rise, often to 105°F or higher. A person with heat stroke may stop sweating. Symptoms include

• Confusion
• Delirium
• Unconciousness

Heat stroke can develop without exertion when a person is exposed to a hot environment. Exertional heat stroke may develop when a person is working or exercising in a hot environment. The body may sweat profusely but it still produces more heat than it can lose. Both types of heat stroke cause severe dehydration and can cause body organs to stop functioning. Emergency medical treatment is needed to prevent death.

Heat Exhaustion

Heat Exhaustion occurs when the body cannot sweat enough to cool itself. It generally develops when a person is working or exercising in hot weather. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include

• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea