Prepare Kansas

Tag: #BeatTheHeat

Heat waves are prolonged periods of excessive heat, often with excessive humidity: https://www.weather.gov/safety/heat

Extreme heat makes the body work extra hard to maintain a normal temperature. Stay indoors as much as possible and limit exposure to the sun. Dress in loose-fitting, lightweight, and light-colored clothes. Avoid dark colors because they absorb the sun’s rays. Drink plenty of water, even if you don’t feel thirsty.

Check on family, friends, and neighbors who do not have air conditioning and who spend much of their time alone. Don’t forget about your pets. Share these tips from the Humane Society to keep pets safe in the heat: http://bit.ly/1RRltIL

Listen to local weather forecasts to prepare for extreme heat. Be prepared.

Can you identify an extreme heat hazard?

Each year approximately 175 Americans die from extreme heat. Familiarize yourself with these terms to help identify an extreme heat hazard:

  • Heat Wave – Prolonged period of excessive heat, often combined with excessive humidity.
  • Excessive Heat Watch – Conditions are favorable for an excessive heat event to meet or exceed local Excessive Heat Warning criteria in the next 24 to 72 hours.
  • Excessive Heat Warning – Heat Index values are forecast to meet or exceed locally defined warning criteria for at least 2 days (daytime highs=105-110° Fahrenheit).
  • Heat Advisory – Heat Index values are forecast to meet locally defined advisory criteria for 1 to 2 days (daytime highs=100-105° Fahrenheit).

Then, follow these tips and #BeatTheHeat!

Learn more at https://www.ready.gov/heat