The Many Dangers of Heat Waves

You’ve heard of solar ovens, right? Well, that’s what most of the United States has felt like over the past two weeks.  

I’m hoping that by the time you read this, temperatures will have cooled down. But the forecast I’m looking at as I write this is not promising.

A dangerous heat wave, beginning in the Southwest and extending to the south-central portion of the U.S. before moving East resulted in heat alerts in more than one-half of the states. 

Highs in the 90s and 100s were occurring day after day, placing a major strain on people’s health and the country’s infrastructure.

Triple-Digit Temperatures

The temperature soared to a record-tying 111 degrees Fahrenheit in Lawton, Oklahoma and a record-setting 110 in Abilene, Texas. It also reached triple digits in Austin and San Antonio, Texas, as well as Mountain Home, Arkansas

As far north as Chicago and Milwaukee saw highs in the 90s, while it got even hotter in the Northeast.

Philadelphia, Boston and New York City were all under heat alerts as temps reached the upper 90s and even topped 100.

Residents of the Big Apple were urged to stay indoors as much as possible to avoid “dangerous conditions that can lead to heat stress and illness.” The Boston mayor declared a heat emergency and Philadelphia officials declared a “heat caution.”

Europe Hit Even Harder

As you probably heard, the situation was even worse in many parts of Europe. Their sweltering heat wave produced record-high temperatures in the U.K., Portugal, Spain and France.

More than 500 people died in Spain due to the recent heat. In Britain, folks were asked not to use rail lines in some areas due to the potential for rail expansion resulting in accidents.

The temperature rose to over 108 degrees in Cazaux, France – the hottest in recorded history. It was over 107 in Nantes, and 102 in Paris and Brest.

Fires in Europe, fueled by the heat, also resulted in a number of deaths and disrupted public transportation.

One Crisis After Another

Extreme heat is not just uncomfortable to deal with. It can result in power outages, fires, water contaminations and crop damage.

For example, waterline breaks in some Oklahoma communities led to boil orders recently. The breaks occur when high temperatures constrict the clay soil. 

There are also financial considerations. Workers can’t put in as many hours in extreme heat. And homeowners and apartment dwellers see a big bump in their electric bills.

The heat can also do a number on our health. It can lead to heat rash, heat cramps, dehydration and even deadly heat stroke.

Heat Rash & Heat Cramps

Jane Gilbert is chief heat officer for Miami-Dade County in Florida. She said, “Elderly, young children, people with certain health conditions can be more vulnerable to the heat.

“It’s really important to check on those people and make sure that they have the ability to take care of themselves.”

Heat rash occurs when sweat is trapped in the skin. Symptoms can range from small blisters to deep, inflamed lumps. Some forms are itchy, but it usually goes away when the skin cools down.

Heat cramps are more serious. These involuntarily muscle spasms are caused by fluid and electrolyte loss. Muscles most often affected are calves and arms. Also the abdominal wall and back.

Dehydration & Heat Stroke

Dehydration occurs when the body does not contain enough water and other fluids to carry out its normal functions. Thanks to losing more fluids than it takes in.

Extreme heat is a major cause of dehydration. The body perspires in an attempt to cool off, but unless fluids are replaced, dehydration occurs. We need to drink plenty of fluids – especially water – when exposed to high temperatures.

Prolonged exposure to those high temps can cause the body to overheat. And if one’s body temperature reaches 104 degrees, heat stroke can occur, requiring emergency treatment.

If left untreated, heat stroke can result in damage to the brain, heart, kidneys and muscles. The longer treatment is delayed, the more serious the situation.       

Water Filtering Is the Answer

If high heat resulted in water contamination in your community, what would you do? It’s a scary proposition. But not if you own the Patriot Pure Ultimate Water Filtration System.

This remarkable system filters out 99.9% of bacteria and viruses. Plus toxic chemicals, heavy metals and pharmaceuticals. 

No matter what the temperature is outside, you can provide your family with a nearly endless supply of clean, good-tasting water. And you can do it with no batteries, electricity or water pressure.

Featuring a sturdy 2.25-gallon tank, this water filtration system is easy to set up. You can keep it on your kitchen countertop. Then grab it to take in your RV or to your cabin.

Here’s how to get yours…

One more thing. In addition to checking out the Water Filtration System, you’re going to want to keep an eye on your inbox. All week we’ll be bringing you “Back to Survival School” information you can use in your daily lives.