A natural disaster refers to any naturally occurring, catastrophic event that disrupts human activity. These disasters can range from the volcanos and earthquakes to more common events such as landslides and floods. Here in Southern California, we deal with a variety of natural disasters, but one in particular stands out. Heat waves occur each year and thanks to global warming, these yearly events are worsening. Therefore, it is necessary for public health officials to develop preventative relief plans as well as new measures for alleviating health issues related to yearly heat waves.
Global warming has led to a slow, but steady increase in temperatures each year, particularly in the hot summer months. Heat waves like those that have scorched Europe and the United States are becoming more frequent because of global warming. Several recent studies suggest that human-generated emissions of heat-trapping gases have produced both higher overall temperatures and greater weather variability, which raise the odds of longer, more intense heat waves. Research in Switzerland suggest that since 1880 the duration of heat waves in Western Europe has doubled and the number of unusually hot days in the region has nearly tripled.
Here, in the U.S., researchers at the National Climatic Data Center in Asheville, N.C, reported that nighttime summer temperatures across the country have been unusually high for the past eight years, a record streak. Researchers at the climate-analysis branch of the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Colorado have stated that “There are very good reasons to believe that the current U.S. heat wave is at least partly caused by global warming." In addition, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reported that the first six months of 2006 are the hottest on record in the United States, and last month ranks as England's hottest July since recordkeeping began in 1659.
Another study in the Journal of Geophysical Research showed that for more than 70 percent of the land researchers had surveyed worldwide, the number of warm nights each year had increased and the number of cold nights had declined, between 1951 and 2003. The researchers concluded, "This implies a positive shift in the distribution of daily minimum temperature throughout the globe."
Experts in the field of geological and atmospheric research agree that it is important to pay attention to the high temperatures that have blanketed the United States and Europe over the past few years and therefore, it is necessary for public health officials to prepare for the possible implications of these increasing temperatures.
Before worrying about the health-related aspects of heat waves, government officials should first implement strategies for staying cool and safe during heat waves. The first act that should be focused on is spreading awareness about upcoming heat waves. This information is already advertised on the news, in newspapers, and on the internet, but it is important for this information to reach all groups of people, particularly those who are at a higher risk fro health-related effects such as the elderly and young children. The government should prepare announcements regarding upcoming heat waves and they should create a list of criteria that should be followed during each heat wave event. For example, all individuals should avoid being outdoors during peak hours between 10am and 4pm. This should be made especially clear in schools and nursing homes since these are places with high risk groups.
Secondly, precautions should be taken for individuals who do venture outdoors. For one, sunscreen is absolutely necessary. Perhaps public officials can look into allocating funds that would supply sunscreen in public bathrooms so that individuals would have access to this necessary precautionary substance. Also, sunscreen should be kept at schools, preschools, and nursing homes to further prevent any chronic health issues that may result from excessive sun exposure during a heat wave.
While spreading the word of an upcoming heat wave is the number one thing that health officials can do to prevent unnecessary illness and death, we also need to make it clear the steps that the public should follow in the case of a heat wave. On top of sunscreen, those who are going outdoors should also wear protective clothing, including hats and, light clothing. Active individuals should wait until dusk to walk or run outdoors and active jobs such as gardening, cleaning, painting, etc. should also be done during a safer hour.
It is most vital that public health officials reach out to schools and nursing homes since that is the population that is most at risk. Perhaps, county departments of public health can develop a binder with guidelines that state which months are most dangerous due to heat wave occurrence as well as the precautions that should be taken during these times. Preventative health is the most effective way for officials to decrease unnecessary death and illness due to heat waves.
While prevention is the most important step in most public health campaigns, there also needs to be a strong post-disaster plan. A public awareness system will help to inform individuals of an impending heat wave, but people need to know what to do should they fall ill or find someone else in need of medical attentions.
First and foremost, the general public should be aware of the first signs of heat exhaustion. These include, dizziness, headaches, muscle cramps, weakness, etc. Any individual experiencing these symptoms or are responsible for the care of someone else experiencing these symptoms should go indoors, cool down by either taking a cool bath or sitting in front of a fan and drink plenty of water. Nursing home staff and hospital staff should be extra alert during a heat wave because patients suffering from dementia or mental disorders may not let someone know if they are experiencing signs of heat exhaustion.
Heatstroke is another serious illness that must be monitored carefully in order to prevent a progression of early signs and symptoms. Heatstroke symptoms mimic those of heat exhaustion except that aggression, irritability, and convulsions may also occur. In either case, it is important for those suffering these symptoms to go indoors immediately, find ways to stay cool and if the symptoms persist, call an ambulance.
Most of post-disaster care is performed by caretakers and medical officials, but there are still steps that public health officials can take to help alleviate health-related illnesses during a heatstroke. During increased temperatures, government officials should station “cooling vans” in areas with large crowds. These vans should be stocked with plenty of water and disposable ice packs to help cool those in need. Outdoor malls, restaurants and shopping areas should be encouraged to have plenty of shade and even misters to help cool down the public. Nursing homes and hospitals should keep all patients indoors and should conserve energy during other months so that electricity funds can be allocated towards keeping facilities well air conditioned during the warm months.
In conclusion, it is important to recognize that public health officials play a major role in all natural disasters. For all types of natural disasters, public health officials should create a comprehensive preventative plan that clearly states what officials and the public should do to help prevent unnecessary illness and death. Secondly, officials should create a clear-cut plan stating exactly what measures need to be taken in the event of a natural disaster. Natural disasters are not preventable, but illness and death often are. In the United States and particularly in Southern California, heat waves are a common natural disaster. Government funds should be put towards creating strong preventative plans as well as measures that should be taken each year when these heat waves occur. Only through planning and effective allocation of resources can we help prevent future deaths and illnesses from imminent heat waves
Resources
1.)http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/AboutUs/MinistersAndDepartmentLeaders/ChiefMedicalOfficer/Features/DH_4135398
2.) http://www.disastersrus.org/emtools/Heatwave/heatwave.htm
3.) http://dels.nas.edu/dr/docs/shoaf.pdf
4.) www.wikipedia.com
5.) http://www.euro.who.int/Document/Gch/Annex_heatwaves_info.pdf
6.)http://esciencenews.com/sources/science.blog/2009/02/25/study.analyzes.2006.california.heat.waves.substantial.effect.morbidity.0
7.) http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/04/17/MNGFCP9UL41.DTL
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Although, the scientific evidence base exists, we as a global community are having considerable difficulty getting everyone on board. Everyone in this case includes all involved from policy makers to local citizens. We must educate and empower the public in what not only can be done, but what we as a global community must do to mitigate the consequences of the inevitable warming of the globe. Reports are stating that in as little as 15 years much of the ice off the Himalayas will be melted indicated not only that many millions will be displaced, but also that a significant barrier between us and the sun's rays will be eliminated. We must act now.
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