KILLER HEAT

We had a one-post respite from trouble and tragedy, although if Enigma4Ever's hint on the comment regarding the missing pilot and the resting lions could (god forbid) be possible, that would certainly be trouble and tragic. Since the photo may have been taken by the pilot, perhaps he was safe.

However, this heat wave is no joking matter. Heat is a killer. The NOAA Weather Service states, "excessive heat is the number one weather related killer, causing more fatalities per year than floods, lightning, tornados, hurricanes, winter storms and extreme cold." Much of the nation is plagued by this heat wave and is exacerbated in some areas by power blackouts; no electricity for air units or fans. Most apartments and many houses are not built to catch any prevailing breeze nor for cross ventilation. People swelter in an oven. We especially feel deeply for our California, Missouri and New York neighbors.

Already people have died from the heat. Several years ago a heat wave across Europe reportedly killed over 30,000 people. About 2,000 per year die in the US from the heat or heat related ailments such as heart attacks, strokes and other fatal afflictions triggered by the stifling heat In New York in 1966 within a 24 hour period, "heat mortality jumped from an average of 490 to 1,260." (Science Daily). In Chicago in July 1995, 465 died. Between 1979-1995 there were 6,615 heat related deaths in the US. (NOAA)

In case there may be a reader or two who do not know of Granny's other blog (although I doubt it - Granny is quite popular) check her recent posts at http://rocrebelgranny.blogspot.com for how she and her family are faring in California heat. According to my California relatives, normally California enjoys a more salubrious climate than here in Gulf Coast Texas so there are fewer homes with air conditioning. Granny mentions a water cooled unit, which I have seen in central Texas, which has a drier climate. It is too humid on the Gulf for those units to function well: poor evaporation. The water cooled units serve well under normal conditions but cannot cope adequately during a heat wave like is occuring now.

Most of us know that Granny has a husband in ill health, a daughter coping with cancer, and three great grandchildren in her household. If there are gold star awards for care-giving, Granny deserves a five star award. Granny manages all with devotion and efficiency, plus carries on numerous outside activities, blogs, and carries on extensive communications with people. Granny is coping with the heat emergency even though she and her family suffer rather extreme discomfort, so she has little need for the information on the following sites. She may, however, be interested in some of the facts.

THESE ARTICLES DEAL WITH HEAT FACTS, TIPS, AND SURVIVAL METHODS. Remember, everyone is vulnerable to the effects of excessive heat, including our pets (one article says cows died during a heat wave). Especially vulnerable are the elderly, outdoor workers, and children. Refresh your memory on safety and the symptoms of overheating. Heat effects sneak up on you and can kill or seriously debilitate you. Children often ignore discomfort when caught up in play; as any parent know, children will sometimes play even when ill. Adults must take care to keep children from over heating. During hot days they should remain indoors between 10 A.M. and about 4 P.M. , depending on your climate.


FROM SLATE/ Medical Examiner: Health and Medicine Explained
http://www.slate.com/?id=2068612

NOAA/ heat Safety
http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/heat/index.shtml

Keep Safe - Are you at Risk - what causes Heat Deaths
http://www.chembalance.com/heatmeds.htm

KILLER HEAT - 7 year old article but just as pertinent today. Heat vs people doesn't change.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/1999/02/990201073210.htm

Be Safe. Make sure your parents, children, outdoorsmen and sportsmen are safe. Do NOT become a statistic.