Central District Health issues excessive heat advisory
CENTRAL DISTRICT HEALTH ― Central District Health (CDH) is issuing a public health advisory for extreme heat expected this week and potentially beyond. Local and national weather services are predicting triple-digit temperatures across much of central Idaho for the next ten days. The public health advisory will be in place while temperatures exceed 100 degrees for consecutive days.
Heat stroke, heat exhaustion, and heat stresses are not uncommon during extremely hot temperatures. Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related illness. Infants and children, older adults (over the age of 65 years), people with chronic conditions, and individuals who work outdoors may be more prone to some form of heat stress.Heat stroke occurs when the body becomes unable to control its temperature: the body's temperature rises rapidly, the body loses its ability to sweat, and it is unable to cool down. Body temperatures rise to 106°F or higher within 10 to 15 minutes. Heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not sought.
If you notice any signs of heat exhaustion or stroke in yourself or those around you, seek medical help immediately.
Signs and symptoms of heat stroke vary but may include the following:
- An extremely high body temperature (above 103°F)
- Red, hot, and dry skin (no sweating)
- Rapid, strong pulse
- Throbbing headache Dizziness Nausea
Heat exhaustion is a milder form of heat-related illness that can develop after several days of exposure to
hot temperatures and inadequate or unbalanced replacement of fluids.
Signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion vary but may include the following:
- Heavy sweating
- Muscle cramps
- Nausea or vomiting
- Skin: may be cool and moist
- Pulse rate: fast and weak
- Breathing: fast and shallow
Protect yourself and others
Air conditioning is the strongest protective factor against heat-related illness. Exposure to air conditioning
for even a few hours a day will reduce the risk for heat-related illness (CDC). If you do not have access to
air-conditioning in your home, seek relief from the heat by visiting friends and family or while visiting
public areas with air-conditioning. Because power outages are possible during extreme heat, if you are
someone who relies on electricity to power medical devices, it is advised that you have a back-up plan – a
neighbor or relative who can help or back-up power source.
Other helpful steps during days with extreme heat:
- Drink plenty of water.
- Wear light-colored, lightweight and loose-fitting clothes.
- Apply sunscreen at least 20 minutes before going outside (SPF 15+ is best).
- Limit exposure to the sun – stay out of the sun during the hottest part of the day (the sun is most
powerful between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.).
- Check up on relatives and neighbors.
- Keep a close eye on children and older adults for any signs of heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and
- Never leave young children, older adults, or pets unattended in a vehicle under any
circumstances. Car interiors can reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes.
Known Cooling Shelters/Areas Available in Boise
- Boise Rescue Mission Ministries – 24-hours, Monday through Sunday
- Boise Library, downtown location – 1 pm to 4 pm
- Cathedral of the Rockies Church, downtown campus – Noon to 4 pm, Monday through Friday
- Corpus Christi House – 9 am to 4 pm, Monday through Saturday
- Interfaith Sanctuary Housing Services – 8 am to 5 pm, Monday through Sunday