From our partners at the Vermont Department of Health:
Despite concerted efforts to provide continuous prevention and safety messages during the most recent heat wave, tragically we have seen four heat-related deaths.
High heat days will return. We know that some people who are more at risk may have fewer opportunities to stay cool and safe, may have no one to care for them, and may need extra assistance during extreme heat.
We ask you to reach out through your networks to share this information and encourage partner organizations, care providers and volunteers to identify those people at higher risk, and plan to provide enhanced care and check-ins during hot weather.
Who is most at risk?
Vermonters are generally at greater risk for serious heat-related illnesses when temperatures reach 87°F or more. Although 87° may not seem very hot, many of us may be especially at risk because we don’t experience hot weather very often.
People who live alone in homes and buildings that do not have air conditioning, insulation, or other cooling features, and older adults tend to be at higher risk for heat illnesses.
Other people at higher risk are those who are more exposed to the weather (outdoor workers, hikers, sports players, homeless people), young children, people who are overweight or who have chronic medical conditions, and those who use recreational drugs, alcohol or some prescription medications.
For more information –
- Find more about hot weather and health impacts, and heat safety tips in English plus Arabic, Burmese, Chinese, French, Kirundi, Nepali, Somali and Spanish at www.healthvermont.gov/climate/heat
- Find the heat vulnerability index and more information about the human health effects of climate change at www.healthvermont.gov/environment/climate
- Stay tuned. Sign up to receive weather advisories, watches and warnings directly to your email or cell phone: vtalert.gov. Keep up with weather updates from the National Weather Service: www.weather.gov
- Follow social media.
- Health Department: twitter.com/healthvermont
- facebook.com/HealthVermont
- VT Emergency Management: twitter.com/vemvt
- facebook.com/vermontemergencymanagement