2017-07-14 / Viewpoint

Cool down, keep up with heat index warnings


COURTESY PHOTO COURTESY PHOTO Summer days in the southeast of the United States have reached high temperatures and with humidity, the heat index level can be hazardous to a person’s health.

To implement and reinforce heat safety measures, communication about the current heat categories are visibly identifiable with the use of colored flags, communicated through the public address systems, and throughout every unit and organization residing on post rather than only in the training ranges.

Avoid heat related injuries such as Rhabdomyolysis, which is caused by overexertion in hot weather.

Units are responsible to manage their own Wet Bulb Globe Temperature Meter, which helps determine exposure levels to high temperatures that cause heat stress on individuals. A work rest water consumption table determines the ratio to training and work activities conducted outdoors.

The five colored heat categories that range from I to V are White less than 79.9, Green 80-84.9, Yellow 85-87.9, Red 88-89.9, Black more than 90 degrees in Fahrenheit.

There are a lot of Soldiers who train in the cantonment area. So that’s why we take additional steps to keep everyone informed, to include social media platforms.

Colored flags, heat category wheel scales, to include burn caution categories are located near installation gate entrances to keep the public informed about heat precautions.

A lot of people work outdoors, such as contractors and civilian employees. Stay hydrated at all times and know your heat exhaustion limitations. It’s easy to lose sight of the heat category. Don’t drink more than 12 quarts of water a day, which can cause over hydration. You can actually die from over hydration.

Unit level training on prevention of hot weather illness and injuries is available through the Preventive Medicine Department at Dwight D. Eisenhower Army Medical Center.

To assist with scheduled training preparedness, a 40-pound bag of ice can be requested three days in advance with a Department of the Army Form 7444 and submitted to the Logistics Readiness Center.

To learn more about heat illness prevention, visit phc.amedd.army.mil/topics/discond/hipss/Pages/HeatinjuryPrevention.aspx.

Remember. Stay mindful of the heat category and water intake.

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