{"id":847,"date":"2023-07-11T09:38:19","date_gmt":"2023-07-11T13:38:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/forsyth\/?p=847"},"modified":"2025-10-27T09:32:20","modified_gmt":"2025-10-27T13:32:20","slug":"summer-weather-safety","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/forsyth\/summer-weather-safety\/","title":{"rendered":"Summer Weather Safety"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"A<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Heather N. Kolich, ANR Agent, UGA Extension Forsyth County<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our temperatures have been mild so far this summer, but that is bound to change soon. Summer heat can pose health issues for people of all ages who work or play outdoors, and for pets and livestock exposed to high heat and humidity. Summer storms can also present dangers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Heat Stress and Stroke<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Heat stress can affect people, animals, and plants. The interaction of heat and humidity creates a heat sensation beyond air temperature alone. A calculation of this interaction gives us the Heat Index \u2013 an estimate of how hot we really feel under the temperature and humidity conditions if we\u2019re standing in the shade. For example, if the outdoor temperature is 86 degrees Fahrenheit and the humidity is 60 percent, we feel like the temperature is 91 degrees, or five degrees warmer. That\u2019s because the high humidity reduces evaporation of our sweat, reducing the ability of our bodies to cool off. If we\u2019re in the sun or the winds are strong and dry, the heat index is higher.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The National Weather Service Heat Index Chart show when the combination of temperature and humidity make it dangerous to work and play outdoors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When we heat up faster than we can cool down, we\u2019re at risk of heat stress or heat stroke, a more severe, life-threatening, heat-related illness. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 650 people die each year from heat-related illness. The highest fatality rate occurs among men (69%), followed by adults age 65 and older (36%). Most heat-related deaths happen between May and September. Below are the warning signs of heat stress and heat stroke and how to treat each condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Warning signs and treatments for heat-related illnesses.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Heat stress warning signs<\/strong><\/td>Actions to take<\/strong><\/td>Heat stroke warning signs<\/strong><\/td>Actions to take<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Heavy sweating<\/td>Drink cool water.   Seek shade or air conditioned place.   Rest.   Cool off with a cool shower, bath or moist towels applied to the skin.<\/td>Body temperature over 103\u2070 Fahrenheit<\/td>Move to shade.   Apply cool water from any available source \u2013 hose, shower, swimming pool, water bottle \u2013 to the person\u2019s skin.   Call 911 for medical assistance.<\/td><\/tr>
Paleness<\/td>Lack of sweating<\/td><\/tr>
Muscle cramps<\/td>Red, hot, dry skin<\/td><\/tr>
Tiredness<\/td>Strong, rapid pulse<\/td><\/tr>
Weakness<\/td>Throbbing headache<\/td><\/tr>
Dizziness<\/td>Dizziness<\/td><\/tr>
Headache<\/td>Confusion<\/td><\/tr>
Nausea or vomiting<\/td>Nausea<\/td><\/tr>
Fainting<\/td>Loss of consciousness<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The following signs may indicate heat stress in animals:<\/p>\n\n\n\n