Heat Waves: Mitigation

Mitigation of heat waves often involves crisis management strategies. Safety tips for minimizing the threat of heat disorders are provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the National Weather Service, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. These include recommendations for reducing the level of physical activity and providing longer periods of rest between work activities, wearing lightweight clothing, eating less protein-rich foods, drinking plenty of water or nonalcoholic fluids, minimizing exposure to sun, and spending more time in air-conditioned places.

The heat index is frequently used to alert the general public to the dangers of heat and humidity (Table 7-2). The index combines relative humidity and temperature to measure their combined effect on the human body. This index was devised for shady, light wind conditions. Full sunshine can increase values by 15°F. High wind with hot and dry air can also be extremely hazardous.

Risk management strategies help individuals, organizations, and communities prepare in advance to minimize the impacts of the next heat wave. These efforts emphasize the importance of education. People who work outdoors should be educated about the dangers and warning signs of heat disorders.

Organizations that host or sponsor outdoor activities for the public should be educated about heat disorders. Immediate access should be provided to facilities and medical personnel to treat individuals showing symptoms of heat disorders. Weather radios should be monitored for alerts or warnings.

During heat waves, neighbors should regularly check on those who may be most susceptible to heat disorders.

Buildings, ranging from homes (particularly those of the elderly) to factories, should be equipped with properly installed, working air conditioning units or have fans that can be used to generate adequate ventilation.

Table 7-2. Heat index chart.

Relative Humidity	Air Temperature (degrees F)
	70	75	80	85	90	95	100	105	110	115
	Heat Index
0%	64	69	73	78	83	87	91	95	99	103
10%	65	70	75	80	85	90	95	100	105	111
20%	66	72	77	82	87	93	99	105	112	120
30%	67	73	78	84	90	96	104	113	123	135
40%	68	74	79	86	93	101	110	123	137	151
50%	69	75	81	88	96	107	120	135	150
60%	70	76	82	90	100	114	132	149
70%	70	77	85	93	106	124	144
80%	71	78	86	97	113	136	157
90%	71	79	88	102	122	150	170
100%	72	80	91	108	133	166
Value		Category			Effects
85 to 94		Caution			Physical activity may cause fatigue.
95 to 105		Extreme Caution			Heat cramps and/or heat exhaustion are possible with prolonged exposure.
Above 105		Danger			Heat stroke is possible with prolonged exposure; heat exhaustion and heat cramps are likely.

Farmers should keep a close eye on livestock during heat waves. Livestock should have shaded areas available that are well ventilated and have plenty of water. Livestock should not be worked or moved, except during evening and early morning hours

Local services, including police, fire, and others providers, should monitor patterns in the nature and volume of demand for services related to heat waves and allocate resources appropriately.

Economic development planning should factor in potential impacts of industrial and urban growth on air pollution levels. This involves consideration of both the types of industries and location of industrial parks. Urban planning should place priority on development that minimizes increases in traffic generation.

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