Extreme Heat

An extreme heat event is several days or more with uncommonly hot temperatures that can be harmful to people. Climate change will make extreme heat events more common, especially in cities. New Orleans will have warmer temperatures during the year. Illnesses and deaths caused by extreme heat events are preventable.

Extreme heat can cause:

  • Rash
  • Cramps
  • Heat exhaustion
  • Heat stroke
  • Medical conditions to be worse
  • Death

Louisiana Department of Health Health-Related Illness (HRI) Data

The Occupational Heat-Related Illness (HRI) Prevention Program monitors emergency department (ED) visits for HRI to determine the effect of extreme heat on people seeking healthcare in Louisiana. The HRI data will be updated weekly on Tuesdays from April to October this year. Heat-Related Illness Syndromic Surveillance, 2023

For information about the case definition and limitations for interpreting syndromic surveillance data click here.

For more information contact us at workerhealth@la.gov or 888-293-7020.

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Who is at risk from extreme heat?

Young children need help keeping cool and hydrated.

Older adults may have trouble adjusting to changes in temperature. Heat can cause medications to have harmful side effects.

People with disabilities may have trouble adjusting to changes in temperature. Heat can cause medications to have harmful side effects.

People living in poverty may not have access to A/C or may not be able to afford the cost.

Outdoor workers are more likely to become dehydrated and to have a heat related illness.

Athletes are more likely to become dehydrated and to have a heat related illness.

How to protect yourself from heat

 

  • Spend more time in A/C buildings and less in the sun.
  • Drink more water and do not wait until you are thirsty.
  • Limit alcoholic or sugary drinks— they drain your body of fluids.
  • Do less physical activity during the hottest part of day.
  • Limit direct exposure to the sun by wearing a hat and using sunscreen.
  • Dress in lightweight and loose— fitting clothing.
  • Focus on cooling your body by regularly drinking cold water, or taking cool showers or baths.
  • Check on a friend or neighbor and have someone do the same for you.

Protect loved ones

Never leave children or pets in a parked car unattended, even if the windows are opened. Pets can have heat related illnesses, too.

For more information 

nola.gov/health

ready.nola.gov/plan/heat

cdc.gov/climateandhealth

epa.gov/climatechange

airnow.gov

climate.gov

What is heat exhaustion?

A heat related illness caused by high temperatures and dehydration. Some signs include:

  • Heavy sweating
  • Weakness, passing out
  • Cold, pale, and clammy skin
  • Fast, weak pulse,
  • Nausea or vomiting

If you are experiencing these symptoms:

Move to a cooler area, lie down and loosen your clothing. Apply damp cloths to your body and sip water. If symptoms continue, get medical help right away.

What is heat stroke?

A heat related illness caused by a rise in body temperature higher than 103⁰ F. Some signs include:

  • Hot, red, or dry skin
  • Fast, strong pulse
  • Confusion, dizziness

If you are experiencing these symptoms:

  • Call 911 right away. Heat stroke is a medical emergency.

  • Move to a cooler area or use cool cloths or a cool bath to lower temperaure.

  • Do not drink fluids.

     

How to protect your home from heat

 

  • Keep blinds, curtains, doors, and windows closed during the hottest part of the day.
  • If using air conditioning (A/C) or window units, close off rooms you are not spending time in.
  • Change your A/C filters monthly.
  • Crack screened windows open for fresh air to move through if you do not have A/C.
  • Use LED or fluorescent bulbs.
  • Set your ceiling fan counterclockwise during the summer.
  • Turn on bathroom fans to push out hot air.
  • Limit use of the stove or oven—it will make your house hotter.