Category: News and Information

Events, News and Information, Operations, Planning & Training, Preparedness, Safety

2019-2020 Winter Weather Awareness Week starts this Sunday

Kentucky District 9 Amateur Radio Emergency Service
Posted by Joe Warren, KB9LXH

Winter can bring with it a wide variety of potentially dangerous weather that can impact roadways, outdoor activities, infrastructure, and more. Planning ahead, knowing what to do before winter weather arrives, and how to survive the impacts winter weather can cause is the purpose behind Winter Weather Awareness Week. Starting Sunday, December 1st and each day through December 7th, our readers are asked to check out the East Kentucky Weather Amateur Radio Network (our sister NOAA® Weather-Ready Nation Ambassador™ organization affiliated with the National Weather Service in Jackson). On their website, they will share information to help you be prepared for any situation that can bring you and your family some peace of mind this winter season.

Winter Weather Hazards include:
• Snow and Sleet
• Blizzards and Snow Squalls
• Freezing Rain
• Cold Temperatures
• Strong Wind
• Flooding
• Fog

Snow and Sleet

• Snow and Sleet primarily affect travel, but can also damage infrastructure
• Damage from winter storms exceeds $1 billion annually

Blizzards and Snow Squalls

Blizzards occur when strong winds cause blowing snow and whiteout conditions
• Do not travel during a blizzard warning, especially in open country

Snow squalls produce sudden white-out conditions, falling temperatures, and icy roads
• These events are usually very short-lived (30-60 minutes) and extremely intense

Freezing Rain

• Freezing rain affects travel and can knock out power
• Have an emergency kit in case the power goes out

Cold Temperatures

Cold weather can cause frostbite or hypothermia
• To prevent this from happening dress in layers, cover exposed skin and limit time spent outside.
• Know what to do when a cold-weather injury occurs.

Strong Wind

• Powerful winter storms can bring strong winds that cause damage
• Strong wind makes travel difficult, especially for large vehicles
• Seek shelter in a sturdy structure during strong winds

  • What to do When Driving

• Slow down!
• Keep two hands on the wheel
• Distance yourself from trucks, buses, and vehicles towing trailers
• Keep an eye out for debris, downed powerlines, and tree branches

Floods

Did you know? Flooding can occur anytime throughout the year

In winter, flooding can be caused by heavy rain, rapid snowmelt, or ice jams.

  • Ice jam flooding occurs when chunks of ice build-up and prevent water from flowing downstream.
  • This can lead to rapid rises upstream or downstream from the jam

Debris flows are also possible when rain falls on steep terrain or burn scars.

  • Soil, rocks, plants, and other objects may be swept downhill.

Every year, more than half of all flood fatalities are vehicle-related.

  • The best way to prevent vehicle-related flood deaths is to never drive through floodwaters and never drive around any posted barricades.

Dense Fog

Dense fog is a weather phenomenon that poses a threat to motorists and pedestrians. To avoid injuries or fatalities:

  1.  Slow down
  2. Leave plenty of space between you and the vehicle in front of you
  3. Use your low-beam headlights

For the upcoming season, people in East Kentucky can expect to see the following information issued from our local NWS office in Jackson, KY:

Winter Storms:

  1. A Winter Storm Warning is issued whenever snow, sleet or ice is expected. Take action! Confidence is high that a winter storm will produce heavy snow, sleet and/or freezing rain causing significant impacts to roads, bridges, overhead power lines, trees, etc.
  2. A Winter Storm Watch is issued when snow, sleet or ice is possible. Be Prepared. Confidence is medium that a winter storm will produce snow, sleet or freezing rain and cause significant impacts.
  3. A Winter Weather Advisory is issued when wintry weather is expected. Exercise caution. Light amounts of wintry precipitation or patchy blowing snow will cause slick conditions and could affect travel if precautions are not taken.

Cold Weather:

  1. A Wind Chill Warning is issued when dangerous cold temperatures are expected. Plan ahead. Confidence is high that very cold air and strong winds could lead to frostbite or hypothermia in a matter of minutes. Limit time outside, dress up in layers and cover exposed skin.
  2. A Wind Chill Watch is issued whenever dangerous cold weather is possible. Be Prepared. Confidence is medium for very cold air and strong wind.  Check the forecast and make sure your loved ones are prepared if dangerous cold weather does occur.
  3. A Wind Chill Advisory is issued when cold weather is expected. Exercise caution. Cold and breezy conditions can cause frostbite or hypothermia if precautions are not taken. Dress in layers and cover exposed skin.

High Wind:

  1. A High Wind Warning is issued when strong winds are expected. Plan ahead. Confidence is high that gusty winds will make travel difficult, especially for large (or high-profile) vehicles. Damage to trees, power lines, and buildings is also possible. Take cover in a sturdy structure and avoid travel.
  2. A High Wind Watch is issued whenever strong winds are possible. Be Prepared. Confidence is medium that gusty winds will develop. If they do develop it could make travel difficult and cause damage. Check the forecast, and make sure you’re prepared if strong winds do occur.

Flood:

  1. A Flood Warning is issued when flooding is expected. Take action! Confidence is high that flooding poses a significant threat to life and property is occurring or will occur shortly. Seek higher ground if in a flood-prone area. Never drive through floodwaters.
  2. A Flood Watch is issued when flooding is possible. Be Prepared. Confidence is medium that flooding may develop. Check the forecast and be ready to take action if a flood warning is issued.

Fog:

  • A Dense Fog Advisory is issued whenever dense fog is expected. Take action! Areas of dense fog will reduce visibility and pose a threat to motorists. Allow for extra time to travel, drive slowly and use low-beam headlights.

How to prepare before Winter Weather moves into the area:

  1. Check the forecast to get the latest weather news
  2. Plan accordingly based on the expected weather conditions
  3. Have a winter survival kit in your car if you must travel
  4. Dress appropriately if you must go outside.
  5. Prepare your Winter Survival Kits for both home and your auto.

 

Today’s post is an overview of the different aspects of winter weather that can affect us this season. Check back on this blog tomorrow and each day during Winter Weather Awareness Week to learn more details about these different winter weather conditions and how to keep you and your family safe.

 

About our blogger:
Joe Warren has been an FCC-licensed amateur radio operator since 1981 and currently holds a General class license with the callsign KB9LXH. Currently, he is an Amateur Radio Relay League (ARRL) Volunteer Examiner (VE) and serves as an Official Emergency Station (OES) appointee for the Kentucky Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES®) in District 9 and Net Manager for the District 9 ARES Net.  Previously, he served Kentucky ARES® as an Emergency Coordinator at both county and district levels. In addition to his efforts with ARES®, Joe also volunteers an advanced storm spotter with the National Weather Service in Jackson, Kentucky where he received the 2018 Weather-Ready Nation Ambassador of Excellence award. Joe also helped develop both the current East Kentucky SKYWARN – Amateur Radio Program as well as the East Kentucky Weather Amateur Radio Network where he serves as the net manager for the London Regional SKYWARN Net.
Joe’s past work experience includes serving in various capacities both in public safety and emergency management disciplines. In addition, he has earned degrees in homeland security and emergency management with several high academic honors. In 2004, Joe retired as a non-commissioned officer from the United States Army with over twenty years of active and reserve service in various disciplines ranging from medical & dental care, law enforcement and the physical security of non-conventional munitions to chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) defense and Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) response.
Events, News and Information, Operations, Planning & Training, Preparedness

Amateur Radio Field Day

Kentucky District 9 Amateur Radio Emergency Service
Post by Joe Warren/KB9LXH

Today’s communications networks are taken for granted many many people that they will always work, allowing for a little inconvenient downtime. What happens when tragedy strikes and both landlines, internet and mobile networks are wiped out and the power grid is down for days or weeks?  We know in recent years it’s happened before. As recently as 2017, Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria caused widespread devastation, but as a result of these disasters, it made heroes out of Amateur Radio operators who practice for these circumstances to provide health and welfare communications, as well as give support to local authorities for these devasted areas.

This weekend is Field Day 2019 when amateur radio clubs across the USA and around the world mobilize and establish temporary communications command posts to practice set-up for short and long-range communications, and hone their operating skills with digital and voice modes to get the message through when no other option may exist.

Here in Central and East Kentucky, members of various clubs will be participating in the national Amateur Radio Field Day exercise this weekend, June 22 – 23. Some of these groups include:

  • Central Kentucky Amateur Radio Society: Camp Catalpa Park in Richmond
  • Lake Cumberland Amateur Radio Association: the home of AC4DM in Ingle
  • Bluegrass Amateur Radio Society: Veterans Park in Lexington
  • Pioneer Amateur Radio Club: 3495 Old Ruckerville Rd in Winchester
  • Wilderness Road Amateur Radio Club: American Legion Post 46 in Danville
  • Morehead Amateur Radio Society: Kentucky State Area 9 Fire/Rescue Training Center
  • Amateur Radio Community Service: Staffordsville – Paintsville Lake State Park
  • Woodford County Amateur Radio Club: Fire Station No. #3 in Versailles
  • Kentucky Mountains Amateur Radio Club: Mine Made Adventure Park in Leburn, KY
  • For additional #ARRLFD locations near you, see http://www.arrl.org/field-day-locator.

Members of these clubs have a collective interest in sharing knowledge and activating radio communications with various purposes and modes ranging from satellite to portable operations. If you are an amateur (or ham) radio operator, thank you for your dedication and support to our avocation. If you are not yet a licensed ham radio operator and you want to learn more, each club extends an invitation to go and see amateur radio in operation. Field Day 2019 starts Saturday afternoon, June 22, 2019, beginning at 2 PM and will conclude operations by 2 PM, the next day on Sunday, June 23, 2019. Some these clubs will offer a “Get On The Air” or GOTA station, that will allow unlicensed people, with the help of an amateur radio control station operator, to make contact with other amateur radio stations across the state, in other parts of the nation, and perhaps in another part of the world. Go check it out!

About the Author:
Joe Warren/KB9LXH has been an FCC licensed amateur radio operator since 1981 and currently holds a General class license. He is an Amateur Radio Relay League (ARRL) Volunteer Examiner (VE) who also currently serves as an Official Emergency Station (OES) appointee for the Kentucky Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES®) in District 9, where he conducts a weekly emergency communication net, and has previously served KYARES in both County and District level Emergency Coordinator positions. In addition, Joe also volunteers an advanced storm spotter with the National Weather Service in Jackson, Kentucky. In his various ARES roles, Joe received a 2018 Weather-Ready Nation Ambassador of Excellence award for his efforts in promoting both amateur radio and SKYWARN operations in East Kentucky. In addition, with the Jackson Weather Forecast Office, Joe helped with the development of the current East Kentucky SKYWARN/Amateur Radio Program and currently serves as one of the net control station operators for the London (KY) Regional SKYWARN Net.
In 2004, Joe retired as a non-commissioned officer from the US Army with over twenty years of active, reserve, National Guard service. Some of his National Guard assignments included being the Reconnaissance Team Chief, Assistant Plume Modeler, and Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Defense Specialist for the one of the National Guard’s Civil Support Team for Weapons of Mass Destruction (CST-WMD). Prior to this, he helped as a military police specialist with providing support to civil authorities at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games. Joe’s active duty assignments ranged from supporting physical security operations for the removal of chemical weapons in Germany to serving as a Military Police (MP) Special Reaction Team (SRT) Leader at a nuclear weapons storage facility. Prior to his overseas assignment, Joe served as a Dental Hygienist both at a base clinic and with a field medical clearing station while in Texas. 
When he was not serving in the National Guard, Joe also supported his local community as an Advanced Emergency Medical Technician, a volunteer Firefighter and Hazardous Materials Technician, an E-911 Dispatcher, and as a volunteer Deputy Director for a county emergency management agency. Holding both a B.A. degree in Homeland Security and Emergency Management plus an A.S. in Emergency Management and Planning, each with high academic honors, Joe is also a member of the Order of the Sword and Shield (ΟΣΣ), the Academic and Professional Honor Society for Homeland Security, Intelligence, Emergency Management, and all other Protective Security Disciplines. Joe can be reached via email at kb9lxh@arrl.net.
News and Information, Operations, Planning & Training, Preparedness, Safety

Spring Break Safety

Kentucky District 9 Amateur Radio Emergency Service

This is the seventh and final installment in a series of blog posts offered in observance of Spring & Severe Weather Awareness Week 2019. The Kentucky Amateur Radio Emergency Service-District 9 (an NOAA Weather-Ready Nation Ambassador organization) presents information everyone can use to stay safe when tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, and floods, and other meteorological events, can affect our travel, home, work, and play. The main goal behind spring weather safety is for all to enjoy this season while at the same time, “Be Weather Aware”.

Yesterday’s focus was on heat safety. Today, as we close out this series on Spring & Severe Weather Awareness Week, we will focus on Spring Break Safety.

March 1st: Have a Plan

March 2nd: Severe Thunderstorms and Tornadoes

March 3rd: Lightning

March 4th: Wind and Hail

March 5th: Flooding

March 6th: Heat Safety

March 7th: Spring Break Safety

 

This time of year, thousands of people typically flock to the beaches of Florida or Texas, take a cruise to the Caribbean or fly off to Hawaii to get away from school or work for a chance to relax, rejuvenate or in other words, get away from all the cold and snow of the previous winter season for what has become “Spring Break”. With that in mind, this final post for Spring Weather Awareness Week will focus on being safe, while at the same time having fun and enjoying your time away from old-man winter.

Some things to remember include information presented on having a plan (Day 1), Severe Thunderstorms & Tornadoes (Day 2), Lightning (Day 3), Wind and Hail (Day 4), Flooding (Day 5), and Heat Safety (Day 6). Wait a minute? Are you telling me that I should keep these things in mind even while on vacation during spring break? The short answer is yes, all of these topics plus a couple more presented in this blog are things everyone should be aware of no matter where you are, but perhaps even more so while on vacation. Why do you ask? Well, let’s think about this for a minute. At home, work or even in school, everything is familiar; know what I mean? After all, you know where to go when severe weather threatens and hopefully, you have a home, work, school and even a travel plan on what to do as well. Even if you go to the same place every year for your annual spring break vacation, things can and often change from one year to the next. So, yes, every topic discussed during severe/spring weather awareness week is something to keep in the back of your mind while you are relaxing in the sun but, they are not the only things; in fact, there are a few things specifically for spring break safety that everyone should be concerned about. They are rip currents and alcohol consumption, beach hazards, and tsunamis. First, let’s discuss rip currents.

What is a rip current?

Rip Currents

Rip currents cause at least 100 deaths each year at United States coastal and Great Lakes beaches. Drowning deaths occur when people pulled offshore are unable to keep themselves afloat or swim to safety. (Brannstrom, 2018)

Amie Hufton (2018), an associate professor with Texas A&M University at Galveston, in an interview, stated, “A rip current is created when the back rushing of water from the beach is channeled in a direction away from the shore.” She further explains that “Some of these can be strong enough to pull you far away from the beach.” The beaches of Texas, like those in Florida and other favorite spring break beach locations, are not alone when it comes to rip currents. Anywhere along a shoreline is susceptible to rip currents.

Studies conducted by the U.S. Lifesaving Association show that 80 percent of the rescues done by ocean lifeguards involve persons caught in rip currents. These currents are often near man-made objects, such as piers, rock groins or jetties, and these tend to funnel the current offshore which can pull against a swimmer.

“If you feel a rip current or think you might be in one, never swim against it,” Hufton says. “Try to stay calm, float or tread water, and then swim perpendicular to the current, which usually means parallel to the shore.”

Alcohol — and too much of it is another dangerous item beachgoers face, and it has nothing to do with water.

Alcohol is one of the biggest factors in drownings on recreational beaches, and studies show that 50 percent of all drowning victims over the age of 13 had a significantly high blood-alcohol content.

Hufton offers these tips to have a safe time at the beach:

  • Never swim alone. “It’s not wise to swim alone, and if possible, use a buddy system to watch over each other in the water,” she notes.
  • Swim near a lifeguard. “Always make sure you can see a lifeguard when you are in the water, and before you get in the water, it’s a great idea to go up and ask one how conditions are that day. They can give you some very good information. Most drownings occur on beaches where there is no lifeguard present.”
  • If you are a weak swimmer, wear a Coast-Guard approved lifejacket and avoid cheap plastic rafts. “Be aware that currents and offshore wind may move floating objects quickly away from the beach.”

Life Jacket

  • Stay close to kids. “Don’t let children swim near permanent structures because there is a much higher chance of a rip current there. Kids can easily wander off by themselves at a crowded beach,” Hufton notes. “If they get lost, they often follow the path of least resistance, which means they usually walk away from the sun, and often with the wind. Finding them often involves tracing a route from where they were last seen.” Hufton adds that a “trip to the beach can be a fun experience, but it can also be a nightmare if things go wrong. If you use good common sense, plus courtesy to others, injuries and accidents can be greatly reduced.”

Brannstrom (2018) also stated that the United States Lifeguard Association recommends if you are caught in a rip current, to use the following strategy:

  • Remain calm to conserve energy and think clearly.
  • Don’t fight the current by trying to swim against the current straight to shore.
  • Escape the current by swimming in a direction following the shoreline. When free of the current, swim at an angle – away from the current – toward shore.
  • If you are unable to escape by swimming, float or tread water. When the current weakens, swim at an angle away from the current toward shore.
  • If you don’t think you will be able to reach the shore, draw attention to yourself – face the shore and call or wave for help.

The National Weather Service (n.d.) recommends these safe practices before going to the beach.

  • Check water conditions before going in by looking at the local beach forecast before you leave for the beach and talking to the lifeguard at the beach.
  • Only swim at a beach with lifeguards. The chances of drowning at a beach with lifeguards are 1 in 18 million (U.S. Lifesaving Association).
  • Don’t assume! Great weather for the beach does not always mean it’s safe to swim or even play in the shallows. Rip currents often form on calm, sunny days.
  • Learn how to spot a rip current. The Break the Grip of the Rip free online training will help you learn how to spot a rip current.
  • What are scientists doing to keep swimmers safer? Find out in this video: Predict the Rip
  • Rip currents aren’t the only deadly beach hazard. Learn more about dangerous waves and other hazards and why you should never to turn your back on the ocean.

Beach Hazards

A trip to the beach should be fun. Unfortunately, far too many people are injured or killed along our nation’s beaches by hazards such as dangerous currents, tsunamis, heat, and lightning. The National Weather Service can help ensure you leave the beach with good memories. NWS and our sister agency, the National Ocean Service, provide you the information you need to stay safe on beaches and in coastal areas and surf zones. A surf zone is defined as the area of water between the beach/shore and the first line of breaking waves.

Fatalities: Lightning at the Beach

lightning-on-the-beach.jpg

Remember our Day 3 topic? Being outdoors back at home when lightning strikes is never a good thing but, lightning truly is a real beach hazard. Did you know?

  • Fishing is the leading cause of lightning fatalities: fishermen are on piers, large rocks, and sandy beaches as well in boats
  • General beach activities such as sunbathing, playing ball, etc. are the second highest cause of lightning fatalities
  • Camping is the third highest cause of lightning activities

There are a number of reasons why beach activities contribute to so many fatalities:

  • The sound of thunder is hidden by the sounds of the surf and people having fun.
  • Safety, typically a car or other vehicle, may be some distance away.
  • Along the U.S. East Coast, people are generally facing the ocean in the east, but many storms come from the west.

Enjoy your time at the beach but keep these recommendations in mind:

  • Keep a watchful eye to the sky IN ALL DIRECTIONS and head to a safe place immediately at any sign of approaching or developing storm
  • Monitor the forecast and radar on a phone or other electronic media and get to a safe place, such a vehicle or large, fully enclosed building (not a picnic shelter or other open-sided structure).
  • When camping on the beach, have a hard-topped metal vehicle nearby and head into it at the first sign of a thunderstorm.

Find out more about Lightning Safety

Yesterday’s blog topic dealt with heat safety. Among weather conditions like heat and humidity, other areas of concern are sunburns and ultraviolet (or UV) exposure. You can stay safe in the sun by following a few safety tips:

  • Bring an umbrella to the beach and stay in the shade. Wear a hat and sunscreen when you are out in the sun. Remember that the sun’s UV rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Reapply sunscreen every two hours and whenever you get out of the water.
  • Use Extra Caution Near Water, Snow and Sand: Water, snow and sand reflect the damaging rays of the sun, which can increase your chance of sunburn.
  • Check the UV Index: The UV Index provides important information to help you plan your outdoor activities and prevent overexposure to the sun. The UV Index forecast is issued daily by the National Weather Service and US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
  • Know the day’s UV Index: Visit EPA’s UV Index Web Page
  • Get the free UVI smartphone app from the EPA
  • Subscribe to EnviroFlash for UV Index forecast and alert notification emails. EnviroFlash provides free UV Index information in the location of your choice. This service provides notifications about UV Alert days as well as next day UV Index forecasts.

Find out more about UV safety

Environmental concerns

Lately, in the news along the lower Florida Gulf Coast, the issue of red tide has made headlines. To learn more about the red tide situation and other harmful algal blooms that could impact your spring break, check out these links below:

Inland Lakes

If you live on or plan on visiting the Great Lakes, you face a unique set of beach challenges. Find out here on how to stay safe on the Great Lakes. In addition, check out these links:

 

Tsunamis

tsunami

Our last subject on spring break safety deals with a subject that many may not be totally aware of during spring break but can be very devasting should one occur, a tsunami.

First of all, what is a tsunami?  A tsunami is a set of powerful ocean waves most commonly caused by a large earthquake or landslide that occurs near or under the ocean. Scientists do not use the term “tidal wave” because these waves are not caused by tides. Tsunami waves are unlike typical ocean waves generated by wind and storms. When tsunami waves approach the shore, they behave like a very fast-moving tide that extends far inland. A rule of thumb is that if you see the tsunami, it is already too late to outrun it. Most tsunamis do not “break” like the curling, wind-generated waves popular with surfers. Even “small” tsunamis (for example, 6 ft high) are associated with extremely strong currents, capable of knocking people off their feet. As with many natural phenomena, tsunamis can range in size from micro-tsunamis detectable only by sensitive instruments on the ocean floor to mega-tsunamis that can affect the coastlines of entire oceans, such as the Indian Ocean tsunami of 2004. (Geist, Earle & McCarthy, 2005)

A tsunami is one of the most powerful and destructive natural forces. It is a series of waves (not just one) caused by a large and sudden displacement of the ocean. Tsunamis radiate outward in all directions from the disturbance and can move across entire ocean basins. Most tsunamis are caused by large earthquakes below or near the ocean floor, but not all earthquakes cause tsunamis. Tsunamis can also be caused by landslides, volcanic activity, certain types of weather and near earth objects (e.g., asteroids, comets). Tsunamis are among Earth’s most infrequent hazards. But even though tsunamis do not occur very often, and most are small and nondestructive, they pose a major threat to coastal communities, particularly in the Pacific. A tsunami can strike any ocean coast at any time. There is no season for tsunamis. We cannot predict where, when or how destructive the next tsunami will be. However, while tsunamis cannot be prevented, there are things you can do before, during and after a tsunami that could save your life and the lives of your family and friends. (NWS, n.d.)

Know the risk

Tsunamis are among the most infrequent of Earth’s natural hazards. Each year, there are approximately two tsunamis that cause damage near their source. Tsunamis that cause damage or deaths on distant shores (more than 1,000 kilometers, 620 miles, away) occur about twice per decade.

Tsunamis can strike any U.S. coast, but the risk is greatest for states and territories with Pacific and Caribbean coastlines. Low-lying coastal areas such as beaches, bays, lagoons, harbors and river mouths and areas along rivers and streams that lead to the ocean are the most vulnerable. Tsunamis can wrap around headlands, islands and sand spits, so coasts facing away from the tsunami source may also be at risk.

Tsunamis are often referred to as local or distant. The type of tsunami depends on the location of the source of the tsunami and where it may strike land. The source of a local tsunami is close to the coast and may arrive in less than one hour. The danger is greatest for local tsunamis because warning time is limited. A distant tsunami is generated far away from the coast, so there is more time to issue and respond to warnings.

Over time, large tsunamis have occurred in the United States and will undoubtedly occur again.

Significant earthquakes around the Pacific rim have generated tsunamis that struck Hawaii, Alaska, and the U.S. west coast. One of the largest and most devastating tsunamis that Hawaii has experienced was in 1946 from an earthquake along the Aleutian subduction zone. Runup heights reached a maximum of 33 to 55 feet and killed 159 people. The tsunami generated by the 1964 magnitude 9.2 earthquake in the Gulf of Alaska caused damage and loss of life across the Pacific, including Alaska, Hawaii, California, Oregon, and Washington.

Since the only major tsunami-generating subduction zones in the Atlantic Ocean are along the Caribbean Sea, tsunamis in the Atlantic have been relatively infrequent. The most noteworthy tsunami resulted from the 1929 magnitude 7.3 Grand Banks earthquake near Newfoundland. The maximum tsunami runup was 6 to 23 feet, which was concentrated on the coast of Newfoundland, although it was recorded as far south as South Carolina. A couple of tsunamis reported from Caribbean earthquakes had runups of less than 3 feet. In other words, every coastal area of the country. (USGS, n.d.)

Understand the characteristics

Not all tsunamis act the same. And, an individual tsunami may impact coasts differently. A small tsunami in one place may be very large a few miles away.

The speed of a tsunami depends on the depth of the ocean. In the deep ocean, tsunamis are barely noticeable but can move as fast as a jet plane, over 500 mph. As the waves enter shallow water near land, they slow to approximately 20 or 30 mph. That is still faster than a person can run.

As the waves slow down, they can grow in height and currents intensify. Most tsunamis are less than 10 feet high, but in extreme cases, can exceed 100 feet. When a tsunami comes ashore, it will not look like a normal wind wave. It may look like a fast-rising flood or a wall of water. Sometimes, before the water rushes on land, it will drain away suddenly, showing the ocean floor, reefs and fish like a very low, low tide. Tsunamis can travel up rivers and streams that lead to the ocean. A large tsunami can flood low-lying coastal areas more than a mile inland.

The series of waves that flood, drain away and then reflood the land may last for hours. The time between waves ranges from five minutes to two hours. The first wave to reach the shore may not be the largest or the most damaging. It is not possible to predict how long a tsunami will last, how many waves there will be, or how much time there will be between waves.

Know the danger

A tsunami can be very dangerous to coastal life and property. It can produce unusually strong currents, rapidly flood land and cause great destruction. The flow and force of the water and the debris it carries can destroy boats, vehicles, and buildings and other structures; cause injuries; and take lives as the tsunami moves across the land. It only takes six inches of fast-moving water to knock over an adult and two feet of fast-moving water to carry away most vehicles. The water can be just as threatening (if not more so) as it returns to the sea, taking debris and people with it. Flooding and dangerous currents can last for days.

Even small tsunamis can pose a risk. Strong currents can injure and drown swimmers and damage and destroy boats in harbors. And be aware, a tsunami is not surfable. Tsunamis are not like wind waves. They do not have a face, do not curl and break like wind waves and are full of hazardous debris.

To learn more about the tsunamis, read the Tsunami Frequently Asked Questions.

Understanding Tsunami Alerts

Tsunami messages are issued by the tsunami warning centers to notify emergency managers and other local officials, the public and other partners about the potential for a tsunami following a possible tsunami-generating event. For U.S. and Canadian coastlines, these messages include alerts. There are four levels of tsunami alerts: warning, advisory, watch and information statement:

  • Tsunami Warning: Take Action—Danger! A tsunami that may cause widespread flooding is expected or occurring. Dangerous coastal flooding and powerful currents are possible and may continue for several hours or days after initial arrival.
    Follow instructions from local officials. Evacuation is recommended. Move to high ground or inland (away from the water). 
  • Tsunami Advisory: Take Action—A tsunami with potential for strong currents or waves dangerous to those in or very near the water is expected or occurring. There may be flooding of beach and harbor areas. Stay out of the water and away from beaches and waterways. Follow instructions from local officials.
  • Tsunami Watch: Be Prepared—A distant earthquake has occurred. A tsunami is possible.
    Stay tuned for more information. Be prepared to take action if necessary.
  • Tsunami Information Statement: Relax—An earthquake has occurred, but there is no threat, or it was very far away, and the threat has not been determined. In most cases, there is no threat of a destructive tsunami.

Note: Tsunami warnings, advisories, and watches may be updated or canceled as information becomes available. Advisories, watches and information statements may be upgraded if the threat is determined to be greater than originally thought.

Tsunami warnings are broadcast through local radio and television, marine radio, wireless emergency alerts, NOAA Weather Radio and NOAA websites (like Tsunami.gov). They may also come through outdoor sirens, local officials, text message alerts and telephone notifications.

Understand, there may not always be enough time for an official warning, so it is important that you understand natural warnings. If you are at the coast and feel a strong or long earthquake, see a sudden rise or fall of the ocean or hear a loud roar from the ocean, a tsunami may follow. This is your warning. Take action and move to a safe place. Do not wait for official instructions.

How to prepare before the tsunami

Even though tsunamis happen infrequently, it is still important to prepare for one if you live, work or play on the coast. Many of the things you need to do to prepare for a tsunami are the same as those you need to do to prepare for the other hazards that may impact your community. But some actions are unique to tsunamis since response time may be limited. It is not hard, and it is not expensive. Here are some things you can do now to help protect yourself and your loved ones in case a tsunami ever strikes your community.

Know your risk

Understand the Warnings

There are two ways that you may be warned that a tsunami is coming: official tsunami warnings and natural tsunami warnings. Both are equally important. You may not get both. Be prepared to respond immediately to whatever you hear or see first.

  • An official tsunami warning will be broadcast through local radio and television, marine radio, wireless emergency alerts, NOAA Weather Radio and NOAA websites (like Tsunami.gov). It may also come through outdoor sirens, local officials, text message alerts and telephone notifications.
  • There may not always be time to wait for an official tsunami warning. A natural tsunami warning may your first, best or only warning that a tsunami is on its way. Natural tsunami warnings include strong or long earthquakes, a loud roar (like a train or an airplane) from the ocean, and unusual ocean behavior. The ocean could look like a fast-rising flood or a wall of water. Or, it could drain away suddenly, showing the ocean floor, reefs and fish like a very low, low tide. If you experience any of these warnings, even just one, a tsunami could be coming.

Practice All-Hazards Preparedness

  • Get a battery-operated NOAA Weather Radio to receive official messages and other hazard information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
  • Sign up for email and text message alerts from your local emergency management office and make sure your mobile devices are set to receive wireless emergency alerts.
  • Make an emergency plan that includes a family communication plan and put together a portable disaster supplies kit that is easily accessible and contains basic items you and your family may need in an emergency. Include your pets in all your preparedness efforts. Since you do not know where you will be when disaster strikes, prepare kits for work and your car, too.
  • Meet with your family to discuss the plan and why you need to prepare for a disaster.
  • Practice your plan and keep it up to date.
  • Be a role model. Share your knowledge and plans with friends and neighbors so they can prepare themselves and their loved ones.

Plan for Evacuation

If your home, school, workplace or other frequently visited places are in tsunami hazard or evacuation zones, your emergency plan should include evacuation plans.

  • Find out if there are evacuation routes and assembly areas identified for your community. This information may be on a tsunami hazard or evacuation zone map. If it is not, ask your local emergency management office.
  • If assembly areas are not identified, plan to evacuate to a safe place that is on high ground or inland (away from the water) and outside the tsunami hazard or evacuation zone. You may need to identify more than one safe place, depending on where you may be when you get a tsunami warning (e.g., home, work, etc.). You should plan to be able to reach your safe place on foot if you can because of possible road damage, closed roads and traffic jams. If you are concerned that you will not be able to reach a safe place in time, ask your local emergency management office about vertical evacuation. Some strong (e.g., reinforced concrete) and tall buildings may be able to provide protection if no other options are available.
  • Map out evacuation routes to your safe place(s) from your home, workplace or any other place you visit often that is in a tsunami hazard or evacuation zone.
  • Practice walking your evacuation routes, including at night and in bad weather. Familiarity with the routes will make evacuation quicker and easier if you ever need to evacuate for real.
  • If you have children that go to school in a tsunami hazard or evacuation zone, find out about the school’s plans for evacuating and keeping the children safe. Find out where the assembly area is and where you should pick up your children after the danger has passed.
  • If you are visiting an area at risk for a tsunami, find out about local tsunami safety. Your hotel or campground may be able to provide you with tsunami warning and evacuation information. It is important to know this information before a warning is issued. You may not have a lot of time after a warning. You do not want to waste it figuring out what to do.

Plan for Safe Boating

If you are on a boat and you get a tsunami warning, your response will depend on the size of the tsunami, the currents it produces, where you are, how much time you have before the first wave arrives and the weather at sea. If you are a boat owner or captain:

  • Make sure you have a way to receive tsunami warnings when you are on the water. The U.S. Coast Guard will issue urgent marine information broadcasts on your marine VHF radio’s channel 16. Additional information will be available from NOAA Weather Radio.
  • Find out what to do if you get a tsunami warning when you are on a boat in a harbor and what to do if you are at sea. In general, if you are in a harbor, you should plan to leave your boat and move quickly to a safe place on land (high ground or inland, away from the water). If you are at sea, you should plan to move to a safe depth (which varies by region) and stay away from harbors under a warning until officials tell you the threat has passed. Your harbormaster, port captain, the U.S. Coast Guard and local and state emergency management offices are the best sources for tsunami safety information and regulations for boaters in your area.
  • Make a plan and put together a disaster supplies kit to keep on board your boat. Be aware that shore facilities may be damaged, so if you are at sea during a tsunami, you may not be able to return to the harbor you left. Be prepared to remain at sea for a day or more.

During a Tsunami

During a tsunami, dangerous coastal flooding and powerful currents are possible and may continue for several hours or days after initial arrival. The first wave may not be the last or the largest.

  • Respond to a tsunami warning
    • How you respond to a tsunami warning depends on where you are and how you receive the warning. As described in Understand the Warnings, there are two types of tsunami warnings, official and natural. Both are equally important and suggest the potential for a tsunami that may cause widespread flooding. You may not get both types of warnings. Be prepared to respond to whatever you hear or see first. For your safety and others, always follow instructions from local officials.

If you are outside of the tsunami hazard or evacuation zone and you receive an official or natural tsunami warning, a tsunami is possible or likely, but you are in a safe place. Stay where you are unless local officials tell you otherwise.

Official Tsunami Warning

If you are anywhere in a tsunami hazard or evacuation zone or a low-lying coastal area and you receive an official tsunami warning, a tsunami is likely. The warning will estimate the tsunami’s arrival time, describe potential impacts and recommend actions to take.

  • Stay out of the water and away from beaches and waterways.
  • Get more information about the threat and what to do from NOAA Weather Radio, local radio or television or your mobile device (text or data). Limit non-emergency phone calls to keep the lines open for emergency communications.
  • If local officials ask you to evacuate, implement your emergency plan and move quickly to your safe place outside the hazard or evacuation zone unless officials tell you to go somewhere else. If you do not have a safe place or cannot reach it, follow evacuation signs to safety or go as high or as far inland (away from the water) as possible.

Natural Tsunami Warning

If you are in a tsunami hazard or evacuation zone or a low-lying coastal area and you feel a strong or long earthquake, the ocean acts strangely (e.g., it looks like a fast-rising flood or a wall of water or it drains away suddenly, showing the ocean floor like a very low tide) OR there is a loud roar coming from the ocean, a tsunami is possible and could arrive within minutes.

  • In case of an earthquake, protect yourself. Drop, cover and hold on. Be prepared for aftershocks, which happen frequently after earthquakes. Each time the earth shakes, drop, cover and hold on.
  • Do not wait for an official tsunami warning or for instructions from local officials.
  • As soon as you can move safely, implement your emergency plan and move quickly to your safe place outside the hazard or evacuation zone. If you do not have a safe place or cannot reach it, follow evacuation signs to safety or go as high or as far inland (away from the water) as possible.
  • When you are in a safe place, get more information about the threat and what to do from NOAA Weather Radio, local radio or television or your mobile device (text or data). Limit non-emergency phone calls to keep the lines open for emergency communications.
  • If there is earthquake damage, avoid fallen power lines and stay away from buildings, bridges, and piers because heavy objects may fall from them during an aftershock.
  • Follow instructions from local officials. It is their job to keep you safe.
  • Stay out of the tsunami hazard or evacuation zone until local officials tell you it is safe. The first wave may not be the last or the largest and the danger may last for hours or days.

Note: If you are on the beach or near the water and feel an earthquake—no matter how big or how long it lasts—move quickly off the beach to high ground or inland (away from the water) as soon as you can do so safely. Get more information from the sources noted above.

  • Stay Safe
    • If there is earthquake damage, avoid fallen power lines and stay away from buildings, bridges, and piers because heavy objects may fall from them during an aftershock.
    • Follow instructions from local officials. It is their job to keep you safe.
    • Stay out of the tsunami hazard or evacuation zone until local officials tell you it is safe. The first wave may not be the last or the largest and the danger may last for hours or days.
  • Stay Informed – Keep listening to NOAA Weather Radio or local radio or television or using your mobile device (text or data) to get the latest updates. Limit non-emergency phone calls to keep the lines open for emergency communications.
  • Observe Other Tsunami Alerts
    • During a tsunami advisory:
      • Stay out of the water and away from beaches and waterways. A tsunami with potential for strong currents or waves dangerous to people in or very near the water is expected or occurring.
      • Get updates about the tsunami from NOAA Weather Radio, local radio or television or your mobile device.
      • Follow instructions from local officials.
  • During a tsunami watch:
    • Get updates about the potential threat from NOAA Weather Radio, local radio or television or your mobile device.
    • Follow instructions from local officials.
    • Prepare to take action if necessary.

After the tsunami

After a tsunami, local officials will assess the damage and tell you when it is safe to return. Even though the danger of the tsunami has passed, other dangers may remain. If there is a lot of damage, it may be days before it is safe to return (or before you are allowed to return) to affected areas.

  • Stay Safe
    • Stay out of the tsunami hazard or evacuation zone until local officials tell you it is safe. The cancellation of a tsunami warning does not mean the danger has passed.
    • Follow instructions from local officials. It is their job to keep you safe.
    • Stay away from areas that have been damaged for your own safety and so emergency responders can have full access.
    • Stay out of any building that has earthquake or tsunami damage or has water around it until a professional or local official tells you it is safe to enter.
    • Avoid fallen power lines or broken utility lines and report those that you see.

More safety information about returning home after a disaster is available from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

  • Stay Informed – Keep listening to NOAA Weather Radio or local radio or television or using your mobile device (text or data) to get the latest updates. Limit non-emergency phone calls to keep the lines open for emergency communications.
  • Contact Your Close Friends and Loved Ones – Let your close friends and loved ones know that you are okay. The American Red Cross’s Safe and Well website can help you do this. You can also use the website to find out if others have registered themselves as safe and well.

 

Summary

Rip currents and alcohol consumption, beach hazards, and tsunamis are not what anyone has in mind of happening while on spring break. Some of these occurrences are those people are more likely to face such as rip currents and other beach hazards than tsunamis, but they have occurred in the past and will occur again. Being alert for the possibility that these and other hazards discussed throughout this series of blog posts for severe weather awareness week could happen, making a plan in case they do and when necessary, take action, can you be safe this spring season.

 

Sources

Brannstrom, C. (2018, March 8). Texas Sea Grant Warns Swimmers Of Dangerous Rip Currents. (T. S. Communications, Interviewer) College Station, Texas, United States of America: Texas A&M Today. Retrieved from https://today.tamu.edu/2018/03/08/texas-sea-grant-warns-swimmers-of-dangerous-rip-currents/

Geist, E., Earle, P., & McCarthy, J. (2016, December 6). Could It Happen Here? Tsunamis That Have Struck U.S. Coastlines. Sound Waves Monthly Newsletter. Retrieved from https://soundwaves.usgs.gov/2005/01/fieldwork2.html

Hufton, A. (2018, May 15). Beaches Can Be Fun, But Also Deadly. Texas A&M Today. (K. Randall, Interviewer) College Station, Texas, United States of America: Texas A&M News and Information Services. Retrieved from https://today.tamu.edu/2018/05/15/beaches-can-be-fun-but-also-deadly/

NWS. (n.d.). About Tsunamis. Retrieved from A US Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Weather Service Web page: https://www.weather.gov/safety/tsunami-about

NWS. (n.d.). After a Tsunami. Retrieved from A US Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Weather Service Web page: https://www.weather.gov/safety/tsunami-after

NWS. (n.d.). Beach Hazards and Safety. Retrieved from A US Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Weather Service Web page: https://www.weather.gov/safety/beachhazards

NWS. (n.d.). Before a Tsunami. Retrieved from A US Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Weather Service Web page: https://www.weather.gov/safety/tsunami-before

NWS. (n.d.). During a Tsunami. Retrieved from A US Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Weather Service Web page: https://www.weather.gov/safety/tsunami-during

NWS. (n.d.). How to Avoid Getting Caught in a Rip Current. Retrieved from A US Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Weather Service Web page: https://www.weather.gov/safety/ripcurrent

NWS. (n.d.). Tsunami Safety. Retrieved from A US Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Weather Service Web page: https://www.weather.gov/safety/tsunami

NWS. (n.d.). Understanding Tsunami Alerts. Retrieved from A US Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Weather Service Web page: https://www.weather.gov/safety/tsunami-alerts

USGS. (n.d.). Natural Hazards: Could a large tsunami happen in the United States? Retrieved from A US Geological Survey Web page: https://www.usgs.gov/faqs/could-a-large-tsunami-happen-united-states?qt-news_science_products=0#qt-news_science_products

News and Information, Operations, Planning & Training, Preparedness, Safety

Heat

Kentucky District 9 Amateur Radio Emergency Service

This is the sixth in a series of blog posts offered in observance of Severe Weather Awareness Week. The Kentucky Amateur Radio Emergency Service-District 9 (an NOAA Weather-Ready Nation Ambassador organization) presents information everyone can use to stay safe when tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, and floods, and other meteorological events, can affect our travel, home, work, and play. The main goal behind spring weather safety is for all to enjoy this season while at the same time, “Be Weather Aware”.

Yesterday’s focus was on flooding. Today, we will focus today on the heat. Other topics we will look at during severe weather awareness week common to Kentuckians will include:

March 1st: Have a Plan

March 2nd: Severe Thunderstorms and Tornadoes

March 3rd: Lightning

March 4th: Wind and Hail

March 5th: Flooding

March 6th: Heat Safety

March 7th: Spring Break Safety

The transition from winter to spring can be a complicated one. One day, the outside air can feel nice and warm and a few days later, winter storm watches, advisories or warnings are issued. Crazy, huh? Eventually, however, winter will be gone for the season and temperatures will warm up nicely into the 60s or 70s. But what if the temperatures are forecast to be in the 80s or 90s? Yes, that’s right, now we are talking about ways to keep cool from the heat. Many people may think of heat as something to worry about during those long summer days but in fact, the heat, along with humidity, can happen any time of the year in Kentucky. Before those temperatures become unbearable, now is the time to learn about heat safety, the steps to take to stay cool and what to do in a heat-related emergency.

Did you know?

“In recent years, excessive heat has caused more deaths than all other weather events, including floods”. (Red Cross, 2019) How about the fact that heat-related deaths are preventable? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Heat-related deaths and injuries are preventable. Despite this fact, [however], more than 600 people in the United States are killed by extreme heat every year”. (2017) Did you also know some people are more at risk of developing a heat-related illness than others? These people include older adults, infants, and children, people who have chronic medical conditions, people who have low incomes, athletes, and outdoor workers. Also, let’s not forget about the family pets or service animal as they are also just as susceptible to heat-related injuries and death as we humans.

There is an adage that says, “An ounce of prevention is worth more than a pound of cure.” With heat and humidity, this is most certainly true. By taking preventative steps, recognizing the signs and symptoms of heat-related illness and injury and if that fails, taking immediate action whenever someone is having a heat-related emergency, injuries and deaths can be avoided altogether.

 

So, what are some preventative steps a person can take?

Recommendations from the American Red Cross (2019) include the following:

  • Listen to local weather forecasts and stay aware of upcoming temperature changes.
  • Understand a heat wave is a prolonged period of excessive heat, generally, 10 degrees or more above average, often combined with excessive humidity.
  • When this about to happen or is already occurring, you will likely hear weather forecasters from your local National Weather Service office and local media 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.

Heat Advisory – Heat Index values are forecasting to meet locally defined advisory criteria for 1 to 2 days (daytime highs= 100-105° Fahrenheit).

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).

  • 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.

Heat Index

  • Discuss heat safety precautions with members of your household. Have a plan for wherever you spend time— home, work, and school—and prepare for power outages.
  • Check the contents of your emergency disaster kit in case a power outage occurs.
  • Know those in your neighborhood who are elderly, young, sick or overweight. 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.

Some other preventive measures include but are not limited to drinking plenty of water, and if you have an elderly person, a person who has a chronic medical condition, children and/or pets with you in a vehicle – NEVER leave them unattended!

According to a local news article written last year, “Kentucky is on the list of worst states for hot car deaths involving kids, according to noheatstroke.org. Health officials say it can take only 10 minutes for a car to heat up 20 more degrees. It can take less time than that for a child to suffer heat stroke.

Noheatstroke.org says that 17 children in Kentucky have died from heat strokes inside of vehicles between 1998 and 2017. This makes the Commonwealth one of the 10 worst states for pediatric vehicular heat stroke deaths per capita. Health officials said that the numbers are alarming and serve as an important reminder never to leave children in a car. They said it doesn’t take 90-degree temperatures for it to be deadly.

“You never want to leave a child unattended in a car. Even if it’s just for a short amount of time because 10 minutes can be fatal, it’s too long and one death can be prevented and should be prevented. It’s something health officials and law enforcement officials really want to get through to people,” said Kevin Hall with the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department.

Health officials said that even the best parents can forget at times. They recommend you put your purse or cell phone in the back seat with your child as an extra reminder they are there.” (WLEX, 2018)

To underscore the importance of preventing heat-related emergencies, according to Thomas (2018), “Even on days with mild temperatures, the heat inside a closed vehicle can reach dangerous levels within an hour, posing major health risks to small children or pets left inside.” In a test conducted by Consumer Reports (CR), Thomas further stated, “when it was 61° F outside, the temperature inside a closed car reached more than 105° F in just 1 hour, an extremely dangerous and potentially fatal level for a child”, and quoting Dr. Orly Avitzur, M.D., former medical director for CR, ”temperatures that might seem comfortable for adults can quickly become dangerous for children, and elderly passengers who can’t care for themselves, or those with cognitive problems, can also be at risk if they’re left in a car on even a mild day.”

What Causes Heat-Related Illness?

According to the CDC (2017), “Heat-related illnesses, like heat exhaustion or heat stroke, happen when the body is not able to properly cool itself. While the body normally cools itself by sweating, during extreme heat, this might not be enough. In these cases, a person’s body temperature rises faster than it can cool itself down. This can cause damage to the brain and other vital organs.

Some factors that might increase your risk of developing a heat-related illness include:

High levels of humidity

 Heart disease

Obesity

Mental illness

Fever

Poor circulation

Dehydration

Sunburn
Prescription drug use

Alcohol use

For the rest of this section, let’s look at the other groups of people who are also the most susceptible to heat-related emergencies.

Why are older adults more prone to heat stress?

  • Older adults do not adjust as well as young people to sudden changes in temperature.
  • They are more likely to have a chronic medical condition that changes normal body responses to heat.
  • They are more likely to take prescription medicines that affect the body’s ability to control its temperature or sweat.

Why are people with chronic medical conditions more vulnerable to extreme heat?

  • They may be less likely to sense and respond to changes in temperature.
  • They may be taking medications that can make the effect of extreme heat worse.
  • Conditions like heart disease, mental illness, poor blood circulation, and obesity* are risk factors for heat-related illness.
    • Individuals who are overweight or obese tend to retain more body heat. 

What does low-income have to do with heat-related emergencies?

People living on low-incomes many times do not have the resources to stay safe from the heat because they may not be able to afford higher electric bills. (Note this reason is very similar to people with low-income may not have access to heat in the winter.)

Even with a limited income, the main goal is to stay cool, and stay hydrated by following these steps:

  • If available, use air conditioning to keep your home cool.
  • Drink more water than usual, and don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink.
  • Use a buddy system – check on a friend or neighbor and have someone do the same for you.
  • Follow additional tips on how to prevent heat-related illness.

If air conditioning is not available in your home:

  • Contact the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) for help.
  • Contact your local health department or locate an air-conditioned shelter in your area.
  • Spend some time at a shopping mall or public library – even a few hours spent in air conditioning can help.
  • Take cool showers or baths.
  • Don’t rely solely on fans to keep you cool. While electric fans might provide some comfort, when temperatures are hot, they won’t prevent heat-related illness.
  • Use your stove and oven less to maintain a cooler temperature in your home.

 

Athletes

People who exercise in extreme heat are more likely to become dehydrated and get a heat-related illness. However, if you plan to exercise while it’s hot outside:

  • Limit outdoor activity, especially during the middle of the day when the sun is hottest.
  • Wear and reapply sunscreen as indicated on the package.
  • Schedule workouts and practices earlier or later in the day when the temperature is cooler.
  • Pace activity. Start activities slow and pick up the pace gradually.
  • Drink more water than usual, and don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink more. Muscle cramping may be an early sign of heat-related illness.
  • Monitor a teammate’s condition and have someone do the same for you.
  • Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
  • Follow additional tips on how to prevent heat-related illness.

 

Outdoor Workers

In June 2003, a 41-year-old, male laborer died from heat stroke one day after being taken to the hospital. The laborer was working on an addition to a factory sawing boards to make concrete forms. He worked until 5:00 pm that day and was in the parking lot on his way to his vehicle when he apparently collapsed beside his vehicle. A worker on the second shift at the factory was taking scrap material outside to a dumpster when he found the laborer on the ground. The factory worker returned to the plant and told his supervisor there was a man on the ground in the parking lot who needed emergency care. After instructing the company receptionist to call for emergency medical services, the supervisor went to the parking lot to administer emergency care to the laborer until EMS arrived. When EMS arrived, they recorded the laborer’s body temperature as 107 degrees F. The laborer was transported to a local hospital where he died the next day with an internal body temperature of 108 degrees F. Death was listed by the coroner as due to heat stroke. (Kentucky FACE Program, 2004)

Like athletes, people who work outdoors are more likely to become dehydrated and get a heat-related illness but, if you must work while it’s hot outside:

  • Prevent Heat Illness with Acclimatization
  • Drink plenty of water, and don’t wait until you are thirsty to drink.
  • Avoid alcohol or liquids containing substantial amounts of sugar.
  • Wear and reapply sunscreen as indicated on the package.
  • Ask if tasks can be scheduled for earlier or later in the day to avoid the midday heat.
  • Wear a brimmed hat and loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
  • Spend time in air-conditioned buildings during breaks and after work.
  • Encourage co-workers to take breaks to cool off and drink water.
  • Follow additional tips on how to prevent heat-related illness.

 

Pets and Service Animals

According to the Humane Society (2019), High temperatures “can be uncomfortable—even dangerous—for pets and people. It’s difficult enough simply to cope with rising temperatures, let alone thick humidity, but things really get tough in areas that are hit with the double blow of intense heat and storm-caused power outages, sometimes with tragic results”. Just like with children, the elderly, and people with chronic medical conditions, “Never leave your pets in a parked car. Not even for a minute. Not even with the car running and air conditioner on.

On a warm day, temperatures inside a vehicle can rise rapidly to dangerous levels. On an 85-degree day, for example, the temperature inside a car with the windows opened slightly can reach 102 degrees within 10 minutes. After 30 minutes, the temperature will reach 120 degrees. Your pet may suffer irreversible organ damage or die.

“It’s (also) important to remember that it’s not just the ambient temperature but also the humidity that can affect your pet,” says Dr. Barry Kellogg, VMD, of the Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association. “Animals pant to evaporate moisture from their lungs, which takes heat away from their body. If the humidity is too high, they are unable to cool themselves, and their temperature will skyrocket to dangerous levels—very quickly.”

On very hot days, limit exercise to early morning or evening hours, and be especially careful with pets with white-colored ears, who are more susceptible to skin cancer, and short-nosed pets, who typically have difficulty breathing. Asphalt gets very hot and can burn your pet’s paws, so walk your dog on the grass if possible. Always carry water with you to keep your dog from dehydrating.

Understand, pets respond differently to heat than humans do. (Dogs, for instance, sweat primarily through their feet.) And fans don’t cool off pets as effectively as they do people.

[Also,] any time your pet is outside, make sure they have protection from heat and sun and plenty of fresh, cold water. In heat waves, add ice to water when possible. Tree shade and tarps are ideal because they don’t obstruct air flow. A doghouse does not provide relief from the heat—in fact, it makes it worse.

 

What to do when the temperature and humidity are high?

Follow the preventative steps listed above and do the following:

  • Listen to an NOAA Weather Radio or commercial media for critical updates from the National Weather Service (NWS) – see list below for your area office location.
  • 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.

You have taken all the precautions to stay safe in the heat and know what to do when high temperatures are occurring but still, it seems you notice someone (or yourself) not feeling well. What do you do?

People are susceptible to three types of heat-related conditions. They are heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. Here’s how to recognize and respond to them.

What are Heat Cramps?

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.

How to respond:

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.

 

What is Heat Exhaustion?

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.

How to respond:

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.

 

What is a Heat Stroke?

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.

How to respond:

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

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 rapid cooling methods for 20 minutes or until the person’s condition improves.

Summary

Heat-related illness kills more people than floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, etc. each year across the United States. By recognizing people who are most susceptible, taking steps to prevent heat-related incidents from happening and knowing what to do if you notice a loved one, co-worker, neighbor, a stranger, pet or even you experience a heat-related emergency, you can help save a life. To learn more, contact your local American Red Cross chapter about getting certified in First Aid and CPR. To find out more about how the weather can affect you, check out the website of your local National Weather Service office.

Sources

CDC. (2017, June 19). Natural Disasters and Severe Weather: Extreme Heat. Retrieved from A US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Web page: https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/index.html

Humane Society. (2019). Keep pets safe in the heat. Retrieved from A Humane Society of the United States Web site: https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/keep-pets-safe-heat

Kentucky FACE Program. (2004, March 4). Construction Laborer Dies from Heat Stroke at End of Workday. The University of Kentucky, College of Public Health. Lexington: Kentucky Injury Prevention and Research Center. Retrieved March 1, 2019, from A University of Kentucky College of Public Health Web page: https://uknowledge.uky.edu/face_other_reports/10

Red Cross. (2019). Heat Wave Safety. Retrieved from An American Red Cross Web site: https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/heat-wave-safety.html

Thomas, E. A. (2018, October 1). Hot Car Fatalities Are Year-Round Threat to Children and Pets. Retrieved from A Consumer Reports Web site: https://www.consumerreports.org/car-safety/hot-car-fatalities-year-round-threat-to-children-pets-heat-stroke/

WLEX. (2018, June 19). Kentucky Among Worst States For Hot Car Deaths. Retrieved from WLEX Communications, a CORDILLERA COMMUNICATIONS station Web site: https://lex18.com/news/2018/06/19/kentucky-among-worst-states-for-hot-car-deaths/