Be alert for approaching storms.
When it is apparent that a storm is approaching
Take down and secure all ladders
Secure all equipment
Gather trash and debris and secure
Heat Exhaustion
Symptoms include profuse sweating, weakness, rapid and weak pulse, dizziness, nausea and headache. The skin is cool and usually pale and clammy with perspiration. Body temperature is normal or sub-normal. Unconsciousness may occur.
First Aid for Heat Exhaustion: Replenish fluids with cold water or a gatorade-type drink. Prolonged rest in a cool, ventilated environment.
Heat Stroke
This is a medical emergency! Sweating ceases and the skin becomes hot and dry and appears flushed. The victim also may have an unsteady gait and a glossy stare. Increased body temperature left uncontrolled may lead to delirium, convulsions coma and even death. Medical care is urgently needed.
First Aid for Heat Stroke: Cool the body by removing clothing and applying ice or cool, damp cloths to the skin. Summon medical help.
Suggestions for Avoiding Heat Stress
Clothing: Wear loose, light clothing. Sweatbands or a hat may be helpful.
Fluids: Drink 3-10 ounces every 10 to 20 minutes.
Working Conditions: Whenever possible, plan for heaviest labor in the early morning or late afternoon.
Hypothermia
Uncontrollable shivering; vague, slow, or slurred speech; and incoherence or lapses in memory may be observed. Immobile or fumbling hands, a lurching or stumbling gait, drowsiness, and exhaustion also may be apparent.
First Aid for Hypothermia: The hypothermia victim may be unaware that he/she is experiencing difficulties. If the symptoms are severe, summon medical help as soon as possible. Meanwhile, the person should be kept covered and still, with the head down and the feet up to allow blood to circulate to the brain. A source of moderate heat—hot water bottles; a heating pad; or, most effective, a warm body—can be used to transfer energy to the body core by direct contact without friction. Warm, nonalcoholic drinks are appropriate. Do not give sedatives, tranquilizers, or pain relievers.
Frostbite
A patch of pale or white skin caused by constricted blood vessels indicates frostbite. With mild frostbite, the skin appears red and swollen. With severe frostbite, the skin may appear purple or black after it is warmed.
First Aid for Frostbite: Immerse the skin in warm, not hot, water to facilitate the return of circulation to that area, but do not rub, as that may damage frozen tissue.
Suggestions for Avoiding Cold Stress
Clothing: Dress in "layers." This will insulate the body better than one thick layer alone. The layer closest to the skin should be the type of fabric which will wick perspiration away, such as polypropylene. Wool is a good choice for the second layer. The third layer should be more insulation, and the outermost layer should be some type of windbreaker. Handwear should include insulated liners that can be removed and dried daily. Footwear should provide insulation and protection. Use the layering method for feet too. Avoid cotton socks, which result in cold, wet feet. Headcover is essential for the cold. Wear a hat that also covers the ears to help avoid frostbite and to add an extra measure of body heat preservation. A facemask covering the nose may be needed in extreme cold conditions. Working Conditions: Whenever possible, schedule work in order to avoid cold, windy conditions. Be aware of the effect windchill has on exposed skin. (Windchill is the combined effect of wind speed and temperature.) Cold weather can be a crippler—even a killer—to the ill-equipped or unprepared. Prevention is the key to avoiding cold stress in the form of hypothermia or frostbite.