The up gradation of heat wave to be an disaster should be made clear in the minds of the students from their own ideas

E-PG PATHSHALA IEARTH SCIENCE HEAT WAVE

Content Writers Template

1. Details of Module and its Structure

Module details

Subject Name Earth science

Paper Name Heat Wave

Module Name/Title India and Disaster Management

Module Id ES16-616

Pre-requisites Before presenting the lesson in front of the students it is idea to know the depth of knowledge the students are possessed in relation to disaster particularly heat wave. Heat wave being considered to be a normal event many may not be having the idea of the relation between heat wave and disaster. The up gradation of heat wave to be an disaster should be made clear in the minds of the students from their own ideas.

Objectives 1. To make the students understand state of disaster through the gradual growth of heat wave.

2. To make the cyclic role of heat in association with humidity should be explained in such a way to appreciate the presents of disastrous level in the heat wave

3. From the recurrence and the exposures given to the public and cautions displayed in various governments the steps projected to protect the mass and the type of impacts are introduced to the students.

4. To expose the type of health impact and suggested preventive steps and first aid actions to and popularize the remedies.

Keywords Heat Index, Discomfort Index, Humidity, Apparent Temperature, Sun Stroke, Exhaustion , Fatigue, Coastal Lows , EL-NINO

2. Structure of the module -as Outline: Table of content only ( topics covered with their sub-topics)

1.0 Introduction

2.0 Definition 2.1. Causes

3.0 Heat Wave Events 3.1 Heat Index

3.2 Discomfort Index

4.0 How Heat Affects the Body 4.1 During a heat wave, the public are urged to 4.2 The Disaster Risk Management Centre offers the following advice during heat wave conditions 4.3 Signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion 4.4 Signs and symptoms of heat stroke

5.0 Preparing for a Heat Wave

6.0 Responding Appropriately During a Heat Wave

7.0 How to Treat Heat-Related Illnesses

8.0 A National Problem

9.0 Vulnerability

10.0 Heat wave Problem 10.1 Preventing Heat-Related Illness.

10.2 Heat wave and First aid 10.3 Preventing Heat-Related Illness

11.0 Conclusion

3. Development Team

Role Name Affiliation

National co-ordination

Subject co-ordination Prof. A.Balasubramanian Prof.K. N.PrakashNarasimha Prof. B. Suresh Kumar

Centre for advance studies a Dept of Earth Science

Mysoore-6

Paper co-ordinator Prof.Dr.G.VictoRajamanickam Center for Disaster management, PRIST University,

Vallam,Thanjavur-613403 Content Writer/Author

(CW)

Prof.G.VictorRajamanickam Center for Disaster management,

PRIST University,

Vallam,Thanjavur-613403 Content Reviewer (CR) Prof. Ashutosh Das Centre for Environmental Engg,

PRIST University,

Vallam,Thanjavur-613 403 Language Editor (LE)

4. E-text (as table of contents)

1.0 Introduction

India is a country with variety of landforms and physiographic zones. Every kind of the climatic-clasification right from glacier to marine, is observed in one form or other in any one part of the country. India’s economy and richness depend upon the agriculture which is directly influenced by the monsoon.. Leave alone the natural disasters, one finds a series of disasters relatively regulated by weather agents like floods, droughts, cyclones, hailstorm, thunderstorm, heat and cold waves. The systematic observations of disasters are found to be lacking even now. After the establishment of ministry of earth sciences, national laboratories like NIO,NGRI,IMD,ISRO,NRSA,etc., the climatic studies have been given a special drive.

Whatever gained scientific information is not getting shaped to national co-ordination. At the same time, the advanced nations have already initiated to continue the research on the aspects of extreme weather events. If one takes into account India’s weather events over the last hundred years the Orissa super cyclone is observed to be the extreme event in this sub- continent.

In case, one refers the disasters diary of events, one may notice the Cyclone of Bangladesh in 1971, droughts of India in 1972 and 1989 as the extreme events worthy to note. The heat and cold waves during 1995, 1998 and 2003 were responsible to kill. several hundreds of people. The drought out of the monsoon failure in 2002 and an unusual dry month of July had drawn the attention of researcher s. However, the present active scientists are not in a position to get the feedback from the worst droughts of this country during 1918 and so there is a need to give a start on research, related to droughts.

The extreme positive departures from the normal maximum temperature resulted in heat wave during the summer season , whereas the rising maximum temperature during the pre-monsoon months often continues till June, sometimes till July over the north western part of the country. In the year 1966, it is pointed out that East Uttar Pradesh followed by Punjab, East Madhya Pradesh and Kutch in Gujarat had been affected by a number of heat waves particularly in the month of June. De & Sinha Rai (2000) reported maximum deaths due to heat wave in Rajasthan. A number of unexpected heat waves have been cited as a reflection of global warming and in some cases of EL-NINO. In the last decade, it is reported that the Oceanic heat waves are responsible for number of deaths particularly from Orissa. In the rest, the severest heat waves on record are that of June 1926.

Despite the heat waves are being one of the most common natural hazards experienced across the world, heat waves remained to be of precisely defined events with the varied impacts across different sectors. With the input of high quality climate and weather forecast; one can understand well this type of hazard posed by sequences of high temperature.

2.0 Definition:

Rising temperature during summer and the heat waves are more or less same. Heat waves are earmarked to the peak value of the extreme warmth because the imp act on the human health and natural environment is one and the same. The scientist going for research does not agree for the statement because threshold value may differ due to the duration of stay, variation in the intensity, humidity, etc. The American practice of declaring heat wave presence is recorded once the area touches the 100˚F or higher. In some other places, a heat wave is loosely defined as three days of longer stretch in 90˚F or higher. In certain places Raleigh and Charlotte, N.C. noted in daily record more than 100˚F for consecutive days in so many locations. The rise and fall of the temperature in a heat wave has been associated with evaporating moisture and short term droughts However much heat waves hit the human body,

it gives different impacts according to the nature of man to man.

The cyclicity is shown below.

Fig 1.1

The dry air and dry ground both contributed to the persistent extreme temperatures. much heat waves hit the human body; it gives different impacts according to the nature of man to man.

A basic definition of a heat wave implies that it is an extended period of unusually high atmosphere-related heat-stress, which causes temporary modifications in life style and which may have adverse health consequences for the affected population. However much heat waves hit the human body, it gives different impacts according to the nature of man to man.

Heat wave is a meteorological event; it cannot be assessed without reference to human impacts. A combination of heat must be used. Appropriate thresholds must be established for that combination, considering both day time high and over-night low values and being related to the climatic variability common to the area. The effect of duration must also be included.

The South African Weather Service defines a heat wave as “when for three days the maximum temperature is five degrees higher than the mean maximum for the hottest month”.

Cape Town experiences a Mediterranean type climate, which is characterized by the cool, wet winters and hot, dry summers. One of the main characteristics of similar regions is that they all situated near large bodies of water. This gives the areas moderate temperatures with a comparatively small temperature range between the summer maximum and winter minimum. The adjacent water bodies are also responsible for the cooling effect resulting in the coastal areas, which in many cases does not allow temperatures to reach their maximum highs.

During the summer months, coastal lows (locally known as berg winds), sometimes move over the area, causing the temperature to increase to sometimes uncomfortable levels. The hot air blows into Cape Town from the Karoo interior mainly in February and early March.

2.1 Causes

As far as India is concerned, heat wave is getting initiated in the north western parts and then, the waves spread to the adjacent parts of the country. The factors that influence the development of heat wave are

1) Presence of a region with warm dry air and appropriate flow pattern for transporting the hot air over the region.

2) There should be no moisture present in the upper air cover.

3) Cloudless sky in the region so as to allow the insulation over the region.

4) The lapse rate should approach dry adiabatic

5) There should be a large amplitude anti-cyclonic flow or the thickness values should be considerably normal in all layers

3.0. Heat Wave Events:

In recent years, excessive heat has caused more deaths than all other weather events, including floods. A heat wave is a prolonged period of excessive heat, generally 10 degrees or more above average, often combined with excessive humidity. You will likely hear weather fore-casters use these terms when a heat wave is predicted in your community:

 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 forecasting to meet or exceed locally

defined warning criteria for at least 2 days (daytime highs=105-110° Fahrenheit).

Heat Advisory - Heat Index values are forecasting to meet locally defined advisory criteria

for 1 to 2 days (daytime highs=100-105° Fahrenheit).

3.1 Heat Index

The heat index is a measure of how hot it really feels when the effects of humidity are added to high temperature. To alert the public to the dangers of exposure to extended periods of heat and the added effects of humidity a Heat Index table is used to correlate measured temperature and humidity into an apparent temperature. The SA Weather Service offers

The Heat Index is a calculated value based on air temperature and humidity. To calculate a specific value for a previous date, you will need to know the air temperature and humidity. To use the Heat Index Table below, find the temperature on the left of the chart.

Read across until you reach the desired relative humidity. The number which appears at the intersection of the temperature and relative humidity is the Heat Index.

Fig 2.1

3.2 Discomfort Index

this index evaluates the impact of heat stress on the individual taking into account the combined effect of temperature and humidity. The formula used by the SA Weather Service to calculate the discomfort index is:

Discomfort Index = (2 x T) + (RH/100 x T) + 24

T is the dry-bulb or air temperature in degrees Celsius and RH is the percentage relative humidity.

Fig 3.1

This index gives the following degrees of Discomfort:

 80-90 - moderately uncomfortable

 90-100 - very uncomfortable

 100-110 - extremely uncomfortable

 110 and more - hazardous to health 4.0 How Heat Affects the Body

Human bodies dissipate heat by varying the rate and depth of blood circulation, by losing water through the skin and sweat glands, and-as the last extremity is reached-by panting, when blood is heated above 98.6 degrees. The heart begins to pump more blood, blood vessels dilate mmodate the increased flow, and the bundles of tiny capillaries threading through the upper layers of skin are put into operation. The body’s blood is circulated closer to the skin’s surface, and excess heat drains off into the coole atmosphere. At the same time, water diffuses through the skin as perspiration. The skin handles about 90 percent of the

body’s heat dissipating function. Sweating, by itself, does nothing to cool the body, unless the water is removed by evaporation-and high relative humidity retards evaporation. The

evaporation process itself works this way: the heat energy required to evaporate the sweat is extracted from the body, thereby cooling it. Under conditions of high temperature (above 90 degrees) and high relative humidity, the body is doing everything it can to maintain 98.6 degrees inside. The heart is pumping a torrent of blood through dilated circulatory vessels;

the sweat are pouring liquid-including essential 4.1 During a heat wave, the public are urged to:

 Drink plenty of water. Water is the best liquid for hydration during a heat wave.

 Never leave children unattended, especially outside.

 Never leave children or pets unattended in motor vehicles.

 Take care of pets and other animals – they should not be directly exposed to the sun

 Be aware of the dangers of heat exhaustion.

 Stay indoors in the coolest room of your home as much as possible, and splash yo ur face with cold water to cool down.

 Keep rooms cool by using shade cloth or reflective material on the outside of the window.

 If it is safe to do so, open windows at night when the air is cooler.

 Cyclists are advised not to cycle as they can sustain heat-stroke and cardiac problems.

 Listen to alerts on the radio and television for up-to-date weather reports.

 Avoid hiking and walks, especially from 10:00 to 16:00. If you have to hike during this time, take along plenty of liquids, use an adequate sun-protection, wear suitable clothing and notify somebody of your intended travel plans.

Tourists visiting Cape Town who are not acclimatised to the heat are asked to take extra precautions to avoid swelling of the ankles, inflammation of the skin, sharp pains due to loss of water, dizziness, nausea, diarrhoea and fainting.

When heat wave conditions occur authorities, places of safety and care-givers should be on high alert, especially regarding the wellbeing of children and the elder s.

4.2 The Disaster Risk Management Centre offers the following advice during heat wave conditions:

 Monitor those at high risk. Infants and children up to four years of age are sensitive to the effects of high temperatures. They rely on others to regulate their environments a nd provide adequate liquids.

 People who are 65 years of age and older may not compensate for heat stress efficiently, and are less likely to sense and respond to change in temperature. People who are overweight may be prone to heat sickness because of their tendency to retain more body heat.

 Those who are physically ill, especially with heart disease or high blood pressure, or who take certain medications for conditions such as depression, insomnia or poor circulation, may be affected by extreme heat.

 Visit adults at risk at least twice a day and closely watch them for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Infants and young children need much more frequent watching.

 Air conditioning saves lives during periods of extreme heat. If your residence does not have air conditioning, seek some relief in public spaces such as shopping malls and libraries.

 Use a fan. Don't place the fan directly in front of a window because it may pull hot air in. Try placing the fan so that it blows in the room and out the window instead.

 Drink plenty of water and other fluids, but avoid alcohol. Drinks containing alcohol can actually worsen dehydration. Your intake of fluids should be increased even if you are at rest.

 During the hottest hours of the day, stay inside. If possible stay inside an air-conditioned building. The hottest hours of the day are typically from mid- morning to mid-afternoon.

 Dress lightly and when sleeping uses lightweight breathable covers.

 Move your exercise routine to early morning or later in the evening - even swimming. Swimming pool dangers related to heat exposure do occur.

 Never ever leave anyone in a vehicle while you run to do a quick errand – no child or pet should be left in a car. It's never safe. The inside of a vehicle can overheat quickly and become an oven. People can succumb to heat exposure and death very quickly in a closed vehicle.

For updated weather forecasts visit SA Weather Service or call the Weather line at 082 162.

Symptoms of heat stroke can sometimes mimic those of heart attack or other

conditions. Sometimes a person experiences symptoms of heat exhaustion before progressing to a heat stroke.

4.3 Signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion:

 Nausea

 Vomiting

 Fatigue

 Weakness

 Headache

 Muscle cramps and aches

 Dizziness

Some individuals can develop symptoms of heat stroke suddenly and rapidly without

warning. Different people may have different symptoms and signs of heat stroke. Heat stroke is a form of hyperthermia.

4.4 Signs and symptoms of heat stroke:

If one is prepared to appreciate the impact and approach of the stroke, he can save his life.

 High body temperature

 The absence of sweating, with hot red or flushed dry skin

 Rapid pulse

 Difficulty breathing

 Strange behaviour

 Hallucinations

 Confusion

 Agitation

 Disorientation

 Seizure

 Coma

A patient must be referred to a medical doctor, if any of these signs are present.

5.0 Preparing for a Heat Wave

 Listen to local weather forecasts and stay aware of upcoming temperature changes.

 Be aware of both the temperature and the heat index. The heat index is the temperature the body feels when the effects of heat and humidity are combined. Exposure to direct sunlight can increase the heat index by as much as 15° F.

 Discuss heat safety precautions with members of your household. Have a plan for wherever you spend time— home, work and school—and prepare for the possibility of power outages.

 Check the contents of your emergency disaster kit (bug out bag) in case a power outage occurs.

 Know those in your neighborhood who are elderly, young, sick or o verweight. They are more likely to become victims of excessive heat and may need help.

 If you do not have air conditioning, choose places you could go to for relief from the heat during the warmest part of the day (schools, libraries, theaters, malls).

 Be aware that people living in urban areas may be at greater risk from the effects of a prolonged heat wave than are people living in rural areas.

 Get trained in First Aid to learn how to treat heat-related emergencies.

 Ensure that your animals’ needs for water and shade are met.

6.0 Responding Appropriately During a Heat Wave

 Listen to a NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) Weather Radio for critical updates from the National Weather Service (NWS).

 Never leave children or pets alone in enclosed vehicles.

 Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol.

 Eat small meals and eat more often.

 Avoid extreme temperature changes.

 Wear loose- fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing. Avoid dark colors because they absorb the sun’s rays.

 Slow down, stay indoors and avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day.

 Postpone outdoor games and activities.

 Use a buddy system when working in excessive heat.

 Take frequent breaks if you must work outdoors.

 Check on family, friends and neighbors who do not have air conditioning, who spend much of their time alone or who are more likely to be affected by the heat.

 Check on your animals frequently to ensure that they are not suffering from the heat.

7.0 How to Treat Heat-Related Illnesses

During heat waves people are susceptible to three heat-related conditions. Here’s how to recognize and respond to them.

Heat cramps are muscular pains and spasms that usually occur in the legs or abdomen. Heat cramps are often an early sign that the body is having trouble with the heat.

 Get the person to a cooler place and have him or her rest in a comfortable position. Lightly stretch the affected muscle and gently massage the area.

 Give an electrolyte-containing fluid, such as a commercial sports drink, fruit juice or milk.

Water may also be given. Do not give the person salt tablets.

Heat exhaustion is a more severe condition than heat cramps. Heat exhaustion often affects athletes, firefighters, construction workers and factory workers. It also affects those wearing heavy clothing in a hot, humid environment.

 Signs of heat exhaustion include cool, moist, pale, ashen or flushed skin; headache; nausea;

dizziness; weakness; and exhaustion.

 Move the person to a cooler environment with circulating air. Remove or loosen as much clothing as possible and apply cool, wet cloths or towels to the skin. Fanning or spraying the person with water also can help. If the person is conscious, give small amounts of a cool fluid such as a commercial sports drink or fruit juice to restore fluids and electrolytes. Milk or water may also be given. Give about 4 ounces of fluid every 15 minutes.

 If the person’s condition does not improve or if he or she refuses water, has a change in consciousness, or vomits, call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number.

Heat stroke is a life-threatening condition that usually occurs by ignoring the signals of heat exhaustion. Heat stroke develops when the body systems are overwhelmed by heat and begin to stop functioning.

 Signs of heat stroke include extremely high body temperature, red skin which may be dry or moist; changes in consciousness; rapid, weak pulse; rapid, shallow breathing; confusion;

vomiting; and seizures.

 Heat stroke is life-threatening. Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number immediately.

 Preferred method: Rapidly cool the body by immersing the person up to the neck in cold water, if possible OR douse or spray the person with cold water.

 Sponge the person with ice water-doused towels over the entire body, frequently rotating the cold, wet towels.

 Cover the person with bags of ice.

 If you are not able to measure and monitor the person’s temperature, apply rap id cooling methods for 20 minutes or until the person’s condition improves.

8.0 A National Problem

Heat kills by taxing the human body beyond its abilities. In a normal year, about 175 Americans succumb to the demands of summer heat. Among the large continental family of natural hazards, only the pricking cold of winter is treated to be more severe than the same seasonal disasters such as - lightning, hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, or earthquakes-accounts a greater toll. In the 40-year period from 1936 through 1975, nearly 20,000 people were killed in the United States by the effects of heat and solar radiation. In the disastrous heat wave of 1980, more than 1,250 people died.

And these are the direct casualties. No one can know how many more deaths are advanced by heat wave weather-how many diseased or aging hearts surrender that under better conditions would have continued functioning.

North American summers are generally hot; Most of the summers carry heat waves in one section or another of the United States. East of the Rockies, they tend to combine both high temperature and high humidity although some of the worst have been catastrophically dry.

Based on the latest research findings, the NWS has devised the “Heat Index” (HI), (sometimes referred to as the “apparent temperature”). The HI, given in degrees F, is an accurate measure of how hot it really feels when relative humidity (RH) is added to the actual air temperature.

The final set of proposed Definition is given in Table 1 and is shown schematically in Fig. 6. Figure 7 shows the distribution of stations following each of the four sequences. The majority of the stations used in the analysis follow sequence 2, having the NWS thresholds as their heat wave criteria. Most are in the north and west, although some occur in southern Florida. In the interior West are stations following sequence 1, having no heat waves. In the South are a group of stations using the 1% heat wave threshold (Fig. 4.1). These stations can be divided further into a southern interior region following sequence 3 and a Western Gulf area, encompassing the lower Mississippi Valley and parts of the Southwest, following sequence 4.

Table 1 Dentitions of heat waves and associated events.

Heat wave. A period of at least 48 h during which neither the overnight low nor the daytime heat index Hi falls below the NWS heat stress thresholds (808F and 1058F). At stations where more than 1% of both the high and low Hi observations exceed these thresholds, the 1% values are used as the heat wave thresholds.

Intense heat wave. A period of at least 36 h during which the daytime high exceeds the high threshold for a heat wave by more than 108F,the overnight low exceeding the low threshold for a heat wave.

Hot spell. A period of at least 48 h during which both the overnight low and daytime high Hi have values exceeding those observed 1% of the time at the station, but where conditions fail to meet the criteria for a heat wave. For stations at which the 1% values exceed the NWS heat stress criteria, a hot spell is defined as an event with values falling above the NWS criteria but below the 1% values.

Warm s pell. A period of at least 48 h during which the daytime high Hi exceeds 808F and both the overnight low and daytime high heat index have values exceeding those observed 2% of the time at the station, but where conditions fail to meet the criteria for a hot spell. For stations at which the 2% values exceed the NWS heat stress criteria, the NWS values are the minima for a warm spell, and the 2% values are the minima for a hot spell.

Extended events occur when the required conditions persist for 96 h or more.

FIG. 4.1. Schematic diagram showing the set of sequences and thresholds adopted for the heat wave dentitions, with indications of the number and location of stations within each sequence.

FIG. 5.1. The locations of stations following each of the sequences indicated in Fig. 4.1.

Taken together, these preliminary analyses provide a baseline climate description of heat waves for the United States. The results indicate that the approach and the thresholds provide a realistic basis for the investigation of events that have impudence on lifestyle, human comfort, and human health, particularly in the light of potential temperature increases associated with the cur-rent overall warming trend. Each analysis raises major questions concerning the meteorological causes of the individual events and the climatologically basis for the trends, and thus for the future frequency and intensity of heat waves.

9.0 Vulnerability:

In 2011, PHFI, IIPH, and NRDC brought together leading experts from India and the United States to kick-off a discussion to develop heat-adaptation strategies in Ahmedabad.

More than 40 expert scientists, municipal and state administrators, and health officials collaborated to develop recommendations addressing heat- health vulnerability, including:

1. Researching impacts of heat stress, community resources, and existing heat-coping measures through in-depth discussions with four groups: vulnerable people living in slums, workers in high-risk occupations, city department staff, and health care providers; and then analyzing data on local temperatures and corresponding deaths.

2. Identifying the most vulnerable populations in Ahmadabad through surveys assessing current heat awareness and susceptibility, and distributing an informational pamphlet on reducing extreme heat’s health risks to families with young children and the elderly.

3. Developing an actionable early warning system in Ahmadabad and integrating it into a local climate change preparedness plan to warn the population of impending extreme heat events.

4. Targeting heat-risk-reduction outreach to the most heat vulnerable groups, including young children, elders, people with heart or lung illnesses, families living in poverty, and workers in high-risk occupations.

5. Conducting best-practices workshops with Ahmadabad city departments, medical providers, workers in high- risk occupations, and community leaders to implement extreme heat strategies, build local capacity, and improve internal information sharing and

communication.

10.0 Heat wave Problem

Write the marked of with the supply of advanced meters and electronic instrument a ready reckon has been introduced heat index.

Heat kills by taxing the human body beyond its abilities. In a normal year, about 175 Americans succumb to the demands of summer heat. Among the large continental family of natural hazards, only the pricking cold of winter is treated to be more severe than the same seasonal disasters such as - lightning, hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, or earthquakes-accounts a greater toll. In the 40-year period from 1936 through 1975, nearly 20,000 people were killed in the United States by the effects of heat and solar radiation. In the disastrous heat wave of 1980, more than 1,250 people died.

And these are the direct casualties. No one can know how many more deaths are advanced by heat wave weather-how many diseased or aging hearts surrender that under better conditions would have continued functioning.

North American summers are hot; most summers see heat waves in one section or another of the United States. East of the Rockies, they tend to combine both high temperature and high humidity although some of the worst have been catastrophically dry.

Considering this tragic death toll, the National Weather Service (NWS) has stepped up its efforts to alert more effectively the general public and appropriate authorit y to the hazards of heat waves-those prolonged excessive heat/humidity episodes.

Based on the latest research findings, the NWS has devised the “Heat Index” (HI), (sometimes referred to as the “apparent temperature”). The HI, given in degrees F, is an accurate measure of how hot it really feels when relative humidity (RH) is added to the actual air temperature.

To find on the HI, look at the Heat Index Chat-t. As an Example, if the air temperature is 95c (found on the left side of the table) and the RH is 55F. This is at the intersection of the 950 row and the 55% column. Important: since hi values were devised for shady, light wind conditions, exposure to full sunshine can increase hi values by up to 15f.

Also, strong winds particularly with very hot, dry air, can be extremely hazardous.

Note on the HI chart the shaded zone above 105F. This corresponds to a level of HI that may cause increasingly severe heat disorders with continued exposure and/or physical

activity. The “Heat Index vs. Heat Disorder” table (next to the HI chart) relates ranges of HI with specific disorders, particularly for people in higher risk groups.

10.1 Preventing Heat-Related Illness.

Elderly persons, small children, chronic invalids, those on certain medications or drugs (especially tranquilizers and anticholinergics), and persons with weight and alcohol problems are particularly susceptible to heat reactions, especially during heat waves in areas where a moderate climate usually prevails.

10.2 Heat wave and First aid HEAT

DISORDER

SYMPTOMS FIRST AID

SUNBURN Redness and pain. In severe

cases swelling of skin, blisters, fever, headaches.

Ointments for mild cases if blisters appear and do not break. If breaking occurs, apply dry sterile dressing.

Serious, extensive cases should be seen by physician HEAT

CRAMPS

Painful spasms usually in muscles of legs and abdomen Possible. Heavy sweating.

Firm pressure on cramping muscles, or gentle massage to relieve spasm. Give sips of water. If nausea occurs, discontinue use

HEAT

EXHAUSTION

Heavy sweating, weakness, Skin cold, pale and clammy.

Pulse thread. Normal Temperature possible.

Fainting and vomiting.

Get victim out of sun. Lay down and loosen clothing.

Apply cool, wet cloths. Fan or move victim to air conditioned room. Sips of water. If nausea occurs, discontinue use. If vomiting continues, seek immediate

medical attention.

HEAT STROKE (or sunstroke)

High body temperature (106°

F. or higher). Hot dry skin.

Rapid and strong pulse.

Possible unconsciousness.

HEAT STROKE IS A

SEVERE MEDICAL

EMERGENCY. SUMMON EMERGENCY MEDICAL ASSISTANCE OR GET

THE VICTIM TO A

HOSPITAL

IMMEDIATELY. DELAY CAN BE FATAL.

Move the victim to a cooler environment Reduce body temperature with cold bath or sponging. Use extreme caution. Remove clothing, use fans and air conditioners.

If temperature rises again, repeat

process. Do not give fluids.

10.3 Preventing Heat-Related Illness

Elderly persons, small children, chronic invalids, those on certain medications or drugs (especially tranquilizers and anticholinergics), and persons with weight and alcohol problems are particularly susceptible to heat reactions, especially during heat waves in areas where a moderate climate usually prevails.

11.0 Conclusion:

Heat wave has not been considered as a major disaster until the sophisticated instrumentation is brought in use in meteorological observations. It has been felt that major impacts are not inflicted to man due to heat wave because it is felt that it is a shipped of short time duration. But in recent years the extreme events of heat wave especially in summer has introduced number of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. In advanced countries number of deaths is reported due to heat stroke. In view of such life loss it is now treated and observed

along with other disaster managerial activities. In countries like America, South Africa, Australia they have introduced table of extreme heat and map displaying the hea t index for ready reference to people to safe guard their health. In India more awakening has been propagated after the establishment of national laboratories and the ministry of earth sciences to look into the atmospheric studies. The impact of heat wave generally starts in India in the northwest portion of Rajasthan and spreads to other regions during summer. In Rajasthan and Odisa have reported so far the maximum loss of life in the country. The necessary precautions the kinds of first aids and the ways and means to protect well ahead from the heat stroke are placed here for the information to the public.