Are you prepared for the summer heat?

STAFF REPORT

Missouri’s hot and humid summers can be downright brutal. Be ready to protect yourself, your home and your vehicle from risks associated with increasing temperatures.

Heat can be deadly. Don’t underestimate how dangerous excessive heat and humidity can be. Although heat waves don't seem as dangerous as other extremes such as tornadoes and hurricanes, extreme heat is the No. 1 fatality-related weather event in the United States each year.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 36 Missourians died in 2024 due to extreme heat, including children and the elderly. The highest number of heat-related deaths in 45 years of record keeping occurred in the United States in 2024.

“Heat and humidity can place a lot of stress on the body,” said Missouri DHSS Director Paula F. Nickelson. “Heat exhaustion can come on suddenly, with little warning, and lead to heat stroke which becomes a very dangerous situation.”

Excessive heat leads to hyperthermia with issues like heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. It's important to know the signs of each and what you should do if you or someone has any of these symptoms.

Signs of heat cramps are muscle pains or spasms in the stomach, arms, or legs.

Signs of heat exhaustion include:

●      Heavy sweating

●      Paleness

●      Muscle cramps

●      Tiredness

●      Weakness

●      Fast/weak pulse

●      Dizziness

●      Headache

●      Fainting

●      Nausea/vomiting

If you or someone is experiencing the symptoms of heat cramps or heat exhaustion, go to a cooler location and cool down by removing excess clothing and taking sips of a sports drink or water. Call a healthcare provider if symptoms worsen or last more than an hour.

Signs of heat stroke include:

●      Extremely high body temperature (oral temp above 103 degrees)

●      Red, hot, and dry skin with no sweat

●      A rapid/strong pulse

●      Dizziness, confusion, or unconsciousness

If you or someone is suffering or suspected to be suffering from heat stroke, call 911 or get the person to a hospital immediately. Cool down with whatever methods are available until medical help arrives. Do not give the person anything to drink.

Who’s most at risk?

●      Infants and children under age five

●      Older adults

●      People with underlying health conditions such as heart or lung disease, diabetes and other conditions may need extra precautions in the heat.

These groups are especially vulnerable and may need extra help staying cool. Simple steps like drinking plenty of water, resting often, and eating foods rich in potassium (bananas) and magnesium (avocados) can help the body manage the heat.

During excessive heat, Nickelson urges Missourians to check on friends and neighbors, especially the elderly and chronically ill. To report a senior citizen or an adult with disabilities who is in need of assistance due to the heat, call the state's toll-free abuse and neglect hotline at 1-800-392-0210, or make a report online: https://health.mo.gov/seniors/abuse.php

Cool down tips:

●      Work, exercise or play outdoors during the coolest time of the day or evening.

●      If you can’t avoid being outdoors during extreme heat, keep hydrated with water, flavored waters or sports drinks, taking drink breaks every 20-30 minutes, regardless of your activity level. Avoid caffeine, sugary drinks and alcohol.

●      Wear loose fitting, lightweight and light-colored clothing. Don’t forget head protection.

Keep your home cool

If your home lacks insulation or air conditioning, fans can make a difference:

●      Use ceiling fans on the counterclockwise setting to push cool air down.

●      Portable or plug-in fans can help circulate air in smaller spaces. Fans are usually helpful for providing comfort in temperatures less than 90 degrees. However, at temperatures over 90 degrees, a fan can make the body temperature rise.

●      Cover windows that get morning or afternoon sun with drapes or shades.

●      At night, crack a window to let in cooler outdoor air.

●      Seek shelter in a cooling center near you.

Beat the heat in your car

Car interiors can become dangerously hot in minutes. To help manage the heat:

●      Park in the shade or under trees when possible.

●      Use sunshades or window covers.

●      Keep an eye on tire pressure — extreme heat can cause blowouts.

●      Regularly check your car battery and fluid levels.

Cars with leather seats especially benefit from these precautions. A cool car isn’t just more comfortable — it’s safer.

Never leave anyone behind

Each year, an average of 37 children in the United States die after being left in hot cars, according to the National Safety Council. It's a heartbreaking and preventable tragedy. Even on a cooler day, the temperature inside a vehicle can rise by 20 degrees in 10 minutes and is life threatening to anyone left inside.

To avoid this:

●      Always check the backseat before leaving your car.

●      Leave a purse, phone, or backpack in the back as a reminder to look before you lock.

●      Set a calendar alert or ask a childcare provider to call if your child doesn’t arrive as expected.

A little preparation and precautions go a long way. Stay alert, stay cool, and take care of the people — and pets — who may need your help. Let’s make this summer safe and enjoyable for everyone.

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Sources: www.ksdk.com; health.mo.gov; krcgtv.com/Riley Fannon