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Summer Heat Wave Safety Tips

The National Weather Service initiates alert procedures when the Heat Index is expected to exceed 105°F - 110°F for at least two consecutive days. When you add the relative humidity to the air temprature (Heat Index) the felt affects are increased. Listed on this page are safety precautions for you and your family to follow during Heat Waves Alerts.

Firework

The heat index (see chart below) is the "feels like", or apparent, temperature. As relative humidity increases, the air seems warmer than it actually is because the body is less able to cool itself via evaporation of perspiration.
 
As the heat index rises, so do health risks. When the heat index is 90°-105°F, heat exhaustion is possible. When it is above 105°F, it is probable. Heatstroke is possible when the heat index is above 105°F, and very likely when it is 130°F and above. Physical activity and prolonged exposure to the heat increase the risks. Sun
 
* Heat exhaustion occurs when the body is dehydrated.
  • Symptoms: headache, nausea, dizziness, cool and clammy skin, pale face, cramps, weakness, profuse perspiration
  • First aid: move to a cooler spot, drink water with a small amount of salt added (one teaspoon per quart)
  • It can lead to: collapse and heatstroke.
* Heatstroke occurs when perspiration cannot occur & body overheats.
  • Symptoms: headache, nausea, face flushed, hot and dry skin, no perspiration, body temperature over 101°F, chills, rapid pulse
  • First aid: cool person immediately, move to shade or indoors, wrap in a cool, wet sheet, get medical assistance
  • It can lead to: confusion, coma, and death.


This Heat Index chart shows the health risks as temperature and relative humidity rise.

Air
Temp

(°F)
Relative Humidity (percentage)
05101520253035404550556065707580859095100
135° 120126 
130° 117122131 
125° 111116123131141 
120° 107111116123130139148 
115° 105107111115120127135143151 
110° 99102105108112117123130137143150 
105° 9597100102105109113118123129135142149 
100° 9193959799101104107110115120126132138144150 
95° 8788909193949698101104107110114119124130136140150 
90° 838485868788909193959698100102106109113117122126131
85° 787980818283848586878889909193959799102105108
80° 737475767777787979808181828384858687888990
75° 696970717272737374747575767677777878797980
70° 646465656666676768686969707070707171717172

 
   =Heatstroke risk extremely high        =Heat exhaustion possible
   =Heat exhaustion likely, heatstroke possible        =Fatigue possible

Find more in-depth information by reading this "Beat the Heat Survival Kit" from the Arkansas Department of Health


Cencom         479-271-1005
Coroner          479-621-0223
DEM                479-271-1004
Fire Marshal  479-271-1003
OES                479-271-1083
Sheriff             479-271-1008