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A heat wave is a period of extraordinarily hot weather regularly that is accompanied by high levels of humidity, which falls outside of the climate pattern that is the norm for the season. A heat wave occurs most often during the summer months across the United States. The temperature during a heat wave can feel vastly different in one place compared to another based on the temperature combined with the level of humidity. Taken together, a high relative humidity level and a high air temperature are assessed to measure what is called the heat index; the heat index indicates the temperature as it is perceived by human beings in shaded areas. The heat index, sometimes called the “real feel” temperature, is what compels people to crank up their air conditioners during a heat wave. 

Heat waves can be exceptionally dangerous. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the number of deaths due to extreme heat are one of the highest of all; heat waves are one of the leading causes of weather-related deaths in America. High humidity and high air temperature combined create conditions that can lead to several different health emergencies, from heat rash to heat exhaustion to heatstroke; sometimes these conditions are even fatal. But there are safety measures that can be taken to avoid succumbing to the negative effects of a heat wave.

Air conditioning is the number one resource for protection against heat-related illness and death. According to the CDC, the more time spent in an air-conditioned space, the less risk there is of acquiring a heat-related illness. Air conditioning systems help people to beat the heat by sustaining an appropriate, healthy temperature in a given space; they keep people from overheating too quickly which is vital so that people do not sustain damage to their brains or other organs.

Another key thing to remember during extreme heat events is to stay hydrated. It is necessary to drink plenty of fluids, especially water. It is also important to ensure that the essential body salts, like sodium and potassium, and other important minerals lost due to sweating are replaced in the body; sports drinks with electrolytes are helpful for replenishing these things.

An additional thing to do is to take breaks from the heat. Spending time outside is healthy but enjoying time outdoors when the temperatures are lower (i.e. earlier morning hours or later evening hours) is safer than at the hottest points of the day. And no matter what time of day one goes out, remembering to rest in cooler, shaded spaces is crucial because it allows for the internal temperature of the body to decrease. It is particularly beneficial to move into spaces with air conditioning whenever possible. While inside, it is a good time to take stock of one’s physical and mental state, paying attention to changes that might be symptoms of a heat stress condition (e.g. dizziness, nausea, headaches, and muscle cramps).

Aside from staying hydrated, avoiding time outdoors during the hottest times of day, and engaging in intermittent periods of rest when one does venture outside, the most significant safety measure during a heat wave is to take advantage of air conditioning. Well-maintained air conditioning systems that function efficiently help people to stay comfortable when the mercury starts to rise on the thermostat, and to endure the highest temperatures when a heat waves arrives. Air conditioning systems can be real lifesavers during Texas heat waves.