Topic Overview
The National Weather Service developed the
to help people identify days when the risk
for a heat illness is higher than normal. During a heat wave, the heat index is
excessive for many days in a row. Everyone has an increased risk for a
heat-related illness during a heat wave.
A heat-related illness can be more serious for:
- Older adults, who may not notice excessive heat,
do not sweat as effectively, or do not feel thirsty.
- Small
children, who can't
very well.
- People with
chronic medical conditions.
- People taking
, such as heart medicines or
tranquilizers, for serious psychiatric disorders or
depression.
- People with weight problems.
- People with
alcohol or drug use problems.
- People with mental health or
developmental problems.
Other things that affect a person's risk for a heat-related illness
during a heat wave include:
- Living in cities, because heat is trapped by tall
buildings and air pollutants.
- Living alone.
- Not having
cooling devices, such as fans or air-conditioning.