Extreme Heat Preparedness

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Magen M. Reeves
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  In Montana, spring and summer can mean enjoying the great outdoors and taking advantage of the lack of snow.

However, the dangers of extreme heat can also be present and should be taken into account.

As part of America's PrepareAthon, the Air Force has designed the Be Ready awareness campaign to provide information at every installation to relay to the base populace on how to be prepared in the event of natural disasters and dangers.

Extreme heat safety month is June.

Airmen at Malmstrom are at risk because of the unpredictability of spring and summer temperatures in Montana.

The 341st Civil Engineer Squadron Readiness and Emergency Management team release information to the base populace about how the temperature can change drastically and put unsuspecting people in danger.

"Our Airmen give briefings all the time on this subject," said Capt. Brandon Stewart, 341st CES Readiness and Emergency Management flight commander. "The weather can change so severely here in Montana. People don't expect that in the spring."

According to www.ready.gov, heat can cause death by pushing the body beyond its capability. In extreme heat, the body must work harder to maintain its temperature. Most heat disorders occur because an individual has been overexposed to heat or has exercised too much in too high of a temperature. Older adults, young children and those who are sick or overweight are more likely to experience a heat related illness.

Air Force guidance in regards to thermal injury also state that those who could be at a higher risk of a heat injury include those who lack sleep, are taking medication or have recently consumed alcohol.

Heat illness include heatstroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps, fainting and sunburn.

"The biggest hazards we see are heat stress, heat stroke and dehydration," said Jason Webb, 341st Missile Wing occupational safety and health specialist. "These situations become a higher risk during physical fitness activities in the heat. Here in Montana, sunburns are especially common among Airmen who go outdoors, so we stress protecting the skin."

According to www.statesatrisk.org, Montana has a lower risk for extreme heat conditions than most other states, however, Montana has also done significantly less to prepare and educate people on what to do in the case of a heat-related illness or how to prevent it. 

"Our mission is to educate Airmen on safety hazards," said Webb. "We do that by putting together slide shows, safety bulletins and giving briefings on base."

With this being the case, Airmen should take extra precautions when participating in activities both on and off base.

"From the work safety side, the best way to avoid heat hazards are to ensure that Airmen are taking enough breaks," said Webb. "Breaks should be five to 10 minutes long, every 10 to 15 minutes. Staying hydrated is also important."

Air Force guidance state that water is the key component that enables heat loss to occur, preventing the body from overheating. It also says that thirst is an unreliable way to tell whether the body is hydrated enough.

Symptoms of heat illness include dizziness, confusion, nausea or vomiting, staggering, poor vision and loss of consciousness.

Protect yourself, friends and family for when the weather takes an unexpected turn.