HEAT ALERT
Any OSU organization that will be hosting an outdoor event when temperatures are forecast to exceed 90 degrees must take safety precautions to prevent heat-related illness and injury. Just spending the day outdoors when the temperature is 96 degrees at 65% humidity can lead to heat exhaustion. Prolonged physical activity could cause heatstroke.
Participants may be of any age or physical condition. Make sure they have the opportunity to drink plenty of water, take frequent breaks, and have ready access to good shade. If you are providing them with something to eat, choose a menu with light, cool, easy-to-digest foods such as fruit or salad, and cool, low-sugar beverages with no caffeine.
Keep ice on hand and monitor their behavior for any signs of heat stress or exhaustion (heavy sweating, weakness, nausea). If their symptoms become severe, seek medical attention right away. Confusion or a throbbing headache may indicate heatstroke.
Tune in to local weather forecasts. A heat index above 90 calls for extreme caution--sunstroke, muscle cramps or heat exhaustion is possible. A heat index above 105 is dangerous--sunstroke, muscle cramps or heat exhaustion is likely. A heat index above 130 is extremely dangerous--heatstroke or sunstroke is likely. (The heat index for 98 degrees at 70% humidity is 134!) (More information on what the heat index is and how to use it)
Safety Information for
Extremely Hot Weather
Spring/Summer Season
Page Updated April 2012
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