When one considers deadly weather, one often immediately thinks of tornadoes, floods and even hurricanes but many weather fatalities are caused by less violent and dramatic weather occurrences. National Climatic Data Center lists the following weather fatalities based on the last ten years average in the United States
Heat -170 per year
Hurricane -117 per year
Flood -74 per year
Tornado -62 per year
Wind -47 per year
Lightening -44 per year
Winter Storm -41 per year
Cold -18 per year
Heat is the number one cause of death and sadly enough, heat stroke and hyperthermia are preventable. Staying hydrated is a key preventative measure as well as limiting the time spent in the sun and extreme temperatures. Hyperthermia requires immediate attention but in its beginning stages as heat cramps and heat stroke it can be treated easily by removing yourself from the extreme temperatures and consuming water or electrolyte beverages such as Gatorade.
Heat cramps progress to heat exhaustion then heat stroke and finally hyperthermia if left untreated. At first, one will experience cramps effecting their thighs calves, abdomen or stomach. The cramps may be accompanied by brief intermittent muscle spasms. Your body has lost electrolytes due to sweating and they need to be replenished for the muscles to work adequately.
Once the body advances into heat exhaustion the muscle cramps will continue and your skin will be cool and moist, and you will sweat profusely. Feeling faint and dizzy is often common, as well as head aches, weakness, thirst and nausea. If attempts to cool the body seem to not be having an effect this is the time to call a doctor or visit the emergency room.
If the body is not cooled and electrolytes replenished one’s skin will dry up because the body is unable to cool itself from sweating as heat stroke sets in. The victim may be delirious, dizzy and fainting is possible as the body systems struggle to function properly. Once hyperthermia sets in hospitalization is required. The hospital will attempt to cool the body and hook up an iv with a saline drip to help replenish the electrolytes.
Areas where high temperatures are common are the most deadliest areas for deaths caused by weather. People underestimate the risks high temperatures pose and fail to stay hydrated and take the time to cool down when their bodies overheat. Perhaps with education and increased awareness on the dangers extreme temperatures create these deaths can be prevented.
