Handling Heat Stress (Louisville, KY)
According to estimates based on the 1990 population, extreme heat events cause close to 2,000 deaths in the U.S. every year; 17 of these deaths happen in the Louisville Metropolitan Area. If you lack air conditioning and live in an upper floor of a building, especially a building with a dark roof that is surrounded by dark pavement, you may be especially vulnerable to heat related illnesses.
Viewer Tip: Minimize the risks to your health during hot weather by following these tips:
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Wear clothing that is both light in color and weight, but be careful not to wear clothing that can expose you to sunburn. Sunburned skin inhibits your body’s cooling abilities.
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Drink plenty of water; avoid drinking alcohol and eating heavy meals.
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Try to limit outdoor activities, or do these activities during the coolest parts of the day.
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Seek shelter in an air conditioned environment, such as shopping malls and movie theaters. Doing so can reduce your risk of overheating.
Season: Summer
(Sources: United States Environmental Protection Agency: Office of Atmospheric Programs. “Excessive Heat Events Guidebook.” Washington, DC. 2006 and Kalkstein, LS and Greene, JS. “An Evaluation of Climate/Mortality Relationships in Large U.S. Cities and the Possible Impacts of a Climate Change.” Environmental Health Perspectives Volume 105, Number 1, January 1997.)
