By Kia Wynne, Noah Britt, Raven Hanning, Nicholas Kolsin, Devin McCullough, Camille McDougald
Even though temperatures have moderated, the oppressive heat will return as students head back to classes after Labor Day.
Extreme heat and humidity levels are causing health concerns for students and faculty. The risk of heat-related illnesses due to rising temperatures are of concern to the campus. Frequently, the UNCP campus is enveloped with high heat and humidity making conditions hazardous. Due to these conditions, the Pine Needle gathered recommendations to avoid the danger zone. These suggestions entail staying hydrated and seeking shade according to The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.
UNCP’s Dr. Jacqueline Davis provided helpful suggestions such as wearing sunscreen and hats to protect your skin from the sun. For those who may have to work outside, she suggested taking breaks to avoid being in the sun for too long. Davis is the Community Health & Wellness Institute and SPARC Project director.
“The most important thing is to stay hydrated,” Davis said.
Dr. Crystal Moore, the Director of UNCP Student Health Services said the University does not have a heat program or alert in place at this time. She said they have had one or two cases of heat related illness, but they don’t have anyone coming in for heat strokes at this time.
“Apply cool clothes, cool down in shade, give electrolytes like Gatorade, and avoid hot cars,” Moore said.
Moore said that if a student were to experience heat stroke, Student Health Services will call an ambulance to take the student to the hospital. She said that symptoms students should look out for are stomach cramps, heavy sweating, thirst, tiredness, headaches and a rapid pulse.
Jennifer Carter, an Administrative Support Associate for Mass Communication, Geology and Geography, said the heat can be very dangerous for everyone and especially for the animals.
“Oh my gosh, it makes me want to stay inside with the AC. I’m a fall girl,” Carter said. “I try to avoid being outside and I try to stay hydrated when it’s hot.”
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) provides a “Heat Index” application and risk factors. There are many different causes that can heighten the risk of heat stroke:
- High temperature
- Direct exposure to sunlight
- Not drinking enough fluids
- Advanced age
- Lack of recent exposure
- Personal protective equipment and clothing
NIOSH and OSHA suggest drinking fluids like Gatorade and water. Stay away from coffee and alcoholic beverages that will dehydrate you.
The OSHA-NIOSH Heat Safety Tool is a useful resource for planning outdoor work activities based on how hot it feels throughout the day. It has a real-time heat index and hourly forecasts specific to your location. It also provides occupational safety and health recommendations from OSHA and NIOSH.
The OSHA-NIOSH Heat Safety Tool features:
- A visual indicator of the current heat index and associated risk levels specific to your current geographical location
- Precautionary recommendations specific to heat index-associated risk levels
- An interactive, hourly forecast of heat index values, risk levels, and recommendations for planning outdoor work activities.
- Location, temperature, and humidity controls, which you can edit to calculate for different conditions.
- Signs and symptoms and first aid for heat-related illnesses.