May 2026

DEC Bulletin

Here are some heat related tips from the American Red Cross. With the summer heat coming, the American Red Cross reminds everyone to take precautions against heat related incidents. So many simple measures can be taken to significantly reduce the chance of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. The Red Cross encourages drinking plenty of water and taking frequent breaks while working outside. Staying inside and avoiding strenuous activity is also recommended.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 400 Americans die each year due to the summer’s heat. The El Paso office of the National Weather Service maintains that excessive heat is the number one weather-related killer in our area. Heat causes more fatalities per year than floods, lightning, tornadoes, hurricanes, winter storms and extreme cold.

Everyone is at risk when temperatures rise above 90 degrees but the elderly and the very young are most susceptible to heat and heat-related illnesses. 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 clothes should be applied to the skin. If a victim refuses water, vomits, or loses consciousness, call 9-1-1 immediately.

Red Cross Heat Safety Tips:

• Dress for the heat. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. Light colors will reflect away some of the sun's energy. It is also a good idea to wear hats or to use an umbrella.

• Drink water. Carry water or juice with you and drink continuously even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which dehydrates the body. Avoid using salt tablets unless directed to do so by a doctor.

• Eat small meals and eat more often. Avoid high-protein foods, which increase metabolic heat.

• Slow down. Avoid strenuous activity. If you must do strenuous activity, do it during the coolest part of the day, which is usually in the morning between 4 and 7 a.m.

• Stay indoors when possible. If air conditioning is not available, stay on the lowest floor out of the sunshine. Remember that electric fans do not cool, they simply circulate the air.

• Be a good neighbor. During heat waves, check on elderly residents in your neighborhood and those who do not have air conditioning.

• Learn Red Cross first aid and CPR.

Know What These Heat-Related Terms Mean:

Heat cramps:

Heat cramps are muscular pains and spasms due to heavy exertion. Although heat cramps are the least severe, they are an early signal that the body is having trouble with the heat.

Heat exhaustion:

Heat exhaustion typically occurs when people exercise heavily or work in a hot, humid place where body fluids are lost through heavy sweating. Blood flow to the skin increases, causing blood flow to decrease to the vital organs. This results in the form of mild shock. If not treated, the victim may suffer heat stroke. Some warning signs of heat exhaustion include cool, moist, pale flushed or red skin; heavy sweating; headache; nausea or vomiting; dizziness; and exhaustion. Body temperature will be near normal.

Heat stroke:

Also known as sunstroke, heat stroke is life-threatening. The victim's temperature control system, which produces sweating to cool the body, stops working. The body temperature can rise so high that brain damage and death may result if the body is not cooled quickly. Signals include hot, red, and dry skin; changes in consciousness; rapid, weak pulse; and rapid, shallow breathing. Body temperature can be very high— sometimes as high as 105 degrees.

General Care for Heat Emergencies:

Heat cramps or heat exhaustion:

Get the person to a cooler place and have him or her rest in a comfortable position. If the person is fully awake and alert, give half a glass of cool water every 15 minutes. Do not let him or her drink too quickly. Do not give liquids that contain alcohol or caffeine. Remove or loosen tight clothing and apply cool, wet clothes, such as towels or sheets. Call 9-1-1 if the person refuses water, vomits, or loses consciousness.

Heat stroke:

Heat stroke is a life-threatening situation! Help is needed fast. Call 9-1-1. Move the person to a cooler place. Quickly cool the body. Immerse victims in a cool bath or wrap wet sheets around the body and fan it. Watch for signals of breathing problems. Keep the person lying down and continue to cool the body any way you can. If the victim refuses water or is vomiting or there are changes in the level of consciousness, do not give anything to eat or drink.

So, let’s remember these heat related tips as we go about our busy lives this summer, and get through the hot temperatures without an incident.

Questions and comments are always welcome and encouraged. Send an email to the address shown below.

Lew Maxwell, KB5HPT

Amateur Radio Emergency Service

DEC, District 6, WTX Section

TX RACES : DRO-8A

Email: kb5hpt@gmail.com