To All,

The National Weather Service is predicting an extended period of hot weather in the Sacramento area beginning today through the middle of next week, with temperatures over 100°F each day. In addition an Excessive Heat Watch is forecast for Sunday through Tuesday. This indicates the heat will be coupled with high humidity, which will increase the likelihood of heat illness.

The first heat wave of the season serves as a reminder that it is critical for all employees to understand the dangers of heat-related illness, how to recognize the symptoms, and to learn ways to avoid it. Remember also that it takes time to acclimatize your body to hot weather, and many heat stress symptoms are more common during these first hot days of summer.

Symptoms of Heat Illness:
Heat Cramps

• Caused by a loss or imbalance of electrolytes in the body due to excessive sweating
• Symptoms include muscle spasms or pain in arms, calves, or abdomen
• Do not usually result in permanent damage
• Can be alleviated by replacing electrolytes by drinking sports drinks and eating foods rich in potassium, like bananas

Heat Exhaustion

• Caused by a loss of blood volume due to excessive sweating
• Symptoms can include headache, dizziness, fainting, fatigue, nausea, dark colored urine due to dehydration. The body temperature is usually 100-104°F.
• Profuse sweating is present
• Heat Exhaustion is not in itself life threatening, but if left untreated it can progress to Heat Stroke

Heat Stroke

• A LIFE THREATENING CONDITION
• Caused by breakdown of the body’s natural heat regulation system (sweating), and a body temperature over 104°F.
• Symptoms include hot and dry skin, confusion or delirium, rapid shallow breathing, seizures, and unconsciousness
• REQUIRES IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION

If someone is exhibiting symptoms of heat cramps or heat exhaustion, immediately move them to a cool shaded area, give them small amounts of water, cool them down with wet cloths, and notify Health Services. If someone shows symptoms of Heat Stroke, call 9-1-1 immediately.

How To Prevent Heat Illness:

• Acclimation – you are more susceptible to heat illness if you have not been exposed to hot weather recently. It takes 7-14 days to get used to the heat. Take extra precautions to access water, rest, and shade.
• Drink plenty of water, even if you are not thirsty. A good rule of thumb is to drink a cup of water every 15 minutes. Do not try to “catch up” by drinking large quantities of water at one time.
• Alcohol, caffeine, and certain prescription drugs can increase the likelihood of heat illness. Avoid consuming alcohol and caffeine starting 24 hours before an expected heat event. Consult your doctor about possible effects of prescription drugs you are taking.
• DO NOT drink “energy” beverages or mistake them for sports drinks. Energy beverages contain caffeine and taurine, which can both worsen heat illness.
• Try to time outdoor activity during the morning hours.
• Take frequent rest and shade breaks. Short breaks every 15 minutes are preferable to infrequent longer breaks.
• Wear lightweight, loose fitting, light colored clothes and wide brimmed hats.
• Pay attention to heat stress even if you spend most of your time in an office environment. Employees who have to walk between buildings on hot days are also susceptible to heat illness.
• Practice the “Buddy System”; watch out for each other when working in the heat.

Here is a link to an OSHA quick reference card on heat illness, which you can print out:
http://www.osha.gov/Publications/osha3154.pdf