How to recognize 4 heat illnesses during St. Clair County’s ‘extreme heat warning’
As the National Weather Service has placed St. Clair County and surrounding areas under an “extreme heat warning,” residents are advised to take precautions to reduce the risk of developing heat-related illnesses.
The extreme heat warning is in effect for St. Clair, Madison, Jersey and Monroe counties in Illinois, as well as the St. Louis area, from noon Saturday to 9 p.m. Tuesday.
“Dangerously hot conditions” with heat index values of up to 108 degrees are expected, the NWS reported.
“Each additional day will significantly increase the risk for heat illnesses, particularly for vulnerable populations including the very young, the elderly, the chronically ill, and those who are without power from the recent storms,” the NWS reported Friday.
While the majority of the nearly 115,000 residents who initially lost power in the May 16 St. Louis tornado have had service restored, thousands of buildings were significantly damaged or destroyed, and not everyone has access to an air-conditioned home. Those who need help accessing cool shelter and other resources can call the United Way of Greater St. Louis at 211.
Here’s what to know about staying safe through the weekend heatwave and how to recognize dangerous heat-related illnesses.
How to recognize different types of heat illness
The mildest of the four main types of heat illness is heat rash, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Heat rash presents as a group of tiny, itchy skin bumps that develop when sweat gets trapped under your skin, and it can generally be managed at home through keeping your skin cool and dry and using anti-itch creams.
Another “mild” form of heat illness is heat cramps, which happen when you’re exerting yourself in the heat and sweating a lot. Heat cramps are associated with a normal or slightly elevated body temperature, the Cleveland Clinic says, and are a warning sign more severe illness could develop if you don’t cool down.
Heat exhaustion is considered a “moderate” form of heat illness, but without reversing course, it can quickly turn into life-threatening heat stroke. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention describes heat exhaustion as the body’s response to an excessive loss of water and salt, typically due to excessive sweating.
Typical symptoms of heat exhaustion include dizziness, irritability and heavy sweating, among others.
“You’re going to get very thirsty, you’ll be sweating pretty profusely. You might feel a little nauseous and weak,” Matt Beitscher, lead meteorologist with the weather service St. Louis office, said in a Friday interview with the News-Democrat.
If you are experiencing heat exhaustion symptoms, Beitscher said you should head to a cooler area, such as an air-conditioned building, make sure your clothing is loose enough and drink water slowly. It’s important not to chug water with these symptoms, he continued, as that could make the nausea worse and lead to vomiting.
“If the symptoms don’t improve, obviously seek medical help, because heat exhaustion can lead to the more serious condition of heat stroke, which presents symptoms of confusion and also dizziness, but eventually you can become unconscious,” Beitscher said.
Heat stroke is the “most serious” heat-related illness, according to the CDC, and it can cause permanent disability or death in those who don’t receive medical care.
A person experiences heat stroke when their body can no longer control its temperature, the CDC says. Their body temperature then rises quickly, the sweating mechanism fails and they can’t cool down.
Symptoms include a core body temperature of 104 degrees or higher, a change in mental state or behavior, nausea and vomiting, flushed skin, rapid breathing, a racing heart rate and a headache, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Anyone who is experiencing heat stroke needs emergency medical attention, and 911 should be called. The Illinois Department of Public Health reports people who are experiencing heat stroke should not be given fluids.
How to stay safe in the heat
Best practices to deal with extreme heat include staying cool, staying hydrated and avoiding overexertion, St. Clair County Health Department spokesperson Brenda Fedak said in a Friday email to the News-Democrat.
It’s also a good idea to check on your neighbors when there’s excessive heat, Beitscher said. Those who are elderly and those who have chronic illnesses may be more susceptible to complications from extreme heat.
Here’s how to mitigate the risks of extreme heat, from Beitscher:
Stay out of direct sunlight when possible.
Limit time outside during the hottest parts of the day, the late morning through afternoon hours.
If you do have to spend time outdoors, make sure to drink plenty of water.
Take frequent breaks from outdoor activities.
When inside, make sure you’re somewhere with air conditioning.
Cooling sites are activated in Belleville when the NWS issues an excessive heat advisory (when the heat index is expected to reach 105 degrees or the air temperature reaches at least 100 degrees), an excessive heat warning (when the heat index is expected to reach at least 110 degrees for two consecutive days with a minimum heat index no lower than 75 degrees at night) or if the heat advisory is expected to last four or more days.
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