Summer weather can be wonderful, and terrible. Days of high heat and humidity can be dangerous, so it's smart to educate yourself. Fortunately you are not alone. Here are just a few of the national resources online to help you beat the heat safely this summer.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) provides daily forecasts about the weather, climate monitoring, and severe storm warnings for every state. The NOAA leads in environmental and scientific international matters.
The National Weather Service Forecast Offices issue conditions warrants related to heat in the United States in the form of Excessive Heat Outlooks, Excessive Heat Watches, Excessive Heat Warnings/ Advisories.
Heat alerts are issued based on the Heat Index (temperature plus relative humidity). If the Heat Index is higher than 105-110 degrees Fahrenheit for two or more days in a row, the National Weather Service sends out alert procedures.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has prepared an Excessive Heat Events Guidebook with the CDC, the Department of Homeland Security, and the National Weather Service in 2006. The guidebook offers options for handling the heat safely.
The Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) offers their Heat Safety Tool which enables you to access safety information on your cellphone.
The Heat Safety App makes it possible to determine your workplace's heat index, and the risk level for those working out of doors. You can also find protective measures that can help you beat the heat.
Reminders to drink liquids, take breaks, along with tips for emergencies are available. You can read up on signs and symptoms of heat-related illness on your cellphone.
As of June 17, 2013 the OSHA's Heat Safety App has been downloaded 72,000 times since 2011. The app is available in both English and Spanish on your phone.
You can contact OSHA Directorate of Technical Support and Emergency Management at (202) 693-2300 to help you access the App.
The OSHA also offers a webpage on heat-related illness and guidelines concerning heat index and heat safety for workers.
To learn more on heat illness and potential resources, visit OSHA's Heat Illness Prevention page.
To order quantities of OSHA's heat illness educational materials English and Spanish speakers can call OSHA's Office of Communications at (202) 693-1999.
Other Resources:
- Safety and Health Topics from the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA)
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Sources:
About NOAA. NOAA.gov. Retrieved June 19, 2013.
http://www.noaa.gov/about-noaa.html
Heat: A Major Killer. NWS.NOAA.gov. Retrieved June 19, 2013.
http://www.nws.noaa.gov/os/heat/index.shtml
OSHA QuickTakes. OSHA.gov. Retrieved June 19, 2013.
http://www.osha.gov/as/opa/quicktakes/qt06172013.html#1
Heat Safety Tool. OSHA.gov. Retrieved June 19, 2013.
http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/heatillness/heat_index/heat_app.html
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Reviewed June 20, 2013
by Michele Blacksberg RN