Know the Signs of Heat Related Illnesses

Posted on July 24th, 2010 by Leon in Survival Skills

In some parts of the country, soaring temperatures have already pushed people into survival mode to stay cool.

Don't underestimate the danger of high summer temperatures!

This may not necessarily be an urban or wilderness survival situation, but don’t underestimate the danger!

About 400 Americans die each year from summer heat, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Furthermore, the National Weather Service claims excessive heat is the number one weather-related killer, causing more fatalities per year than floods, lightning, tornadoes, hurricanes, winter storms and extreme cold.
From the American Red Cross:

Heat-related illnesses can cause serious injury and even death if unattended. Signs of heat-related illnesses include nausea, dizziness, flushed or pale skin, heavy sweating and headaches.

Victims of heat-related illness should be moved to a cool place, given cool water to drink and ice packs or cool wet cloths should be applied to the skin. If a victim refuses water, vomits or loses consciousness, call 911.

For more related SurvivalCommonSense.com tips and stories, click on the highlighted words:

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  • Take your Ten Essentials on every outing.
  • Dress with the right fabrics.
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  • About Leon Pantenburg

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