Extreme Heat Guidelines for Outdoor Events
Outdoor events are the highlight for many individuals over the summer and we want to make sure employees, guests and patrons are safe. Anyone is at risk for heat exhaustion or heat stroke during prolonged extreme heat but children, older adults, people with chronic health conditions and outdoor workers are at an increased risk. Employees and staff should pay attention to individuals for heat related illness.
Heat cramps are muscle spasms, often in the abdomen, arms, or calves, caused by a large loss of salt and water in the body. Heat cramps can occur from prolonged exposure to extreme heat combined with dehydration. They commonly happen while participating in strenuous outdoor activities such as physical labor or sports.
Heat exhaustion is a condition whose symptoms may include heavy sweating and a rapid pulse, a result of your body overheating. It's one of three heat-related syndromes, with heat cramps being the mildest and heatstroke being the most severe.
Causes of heat exhaustion include exposure to high temperatures, particularly when combined with high humidity, and strenuous physical activity. Without prompt treatment, heat exhaustion can lead to heatstroke, a life-threatening condition. Heat exhaustion is preventable.
Heatstroke is a condition caused by your body overheating, usually as a result of prolonged exposure to or physical exertion in high temperatures. This being the most serious form of heat injury, heatstroke, can occur if your body temperature rises to 104 F (40 C) or higher. The condition is most common in the summer months.
Heatstroke requires emergency treatment. Extreme heat can also worsen chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, and diabetes. Untreated heatstroke can quickly damage your brain, heart, kidneys and muscles. The damage worsens the longer treatment is delayed, increasing your risk of serious complications or death.
Events can utilize social media posts and graphics to post on their social media channels to keep employees, guests and patrons safe.