Excessive Heat Emergency Guidance

The Lebanon Fire and Emergency Management Department would like Lebanon residents to be aware of the following information related to the potential effects from extreme temperatures. There are a number of risks associated with exposure to heat. Please see the below information and, as always, if you have questions please contact the Lebanon Fire Department at 603-448-8810. 

Heat Index and Associated Health Risks  

The heat index is defined by the National Weather Service as a measure of how hot it really feels when relative humidity is factored with the actual air temperature.

As the heat index rises, so do the health risks. This is especially true in the following vulnerable populations:

  • Adults age 65 or older
  • Individuals with drug or alcohol addictions
  • Infants and small children under age 3
  • People with medical conditions (e.g. heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure)
  • People working under extreme conditions
  • Pregnant women
National Weather Service Heat Index chart

Health Risks & Information 

During extremely hot and humid weather, your body's ability to cool itself is challenged. When the body heats too rapidly to cool itself properly, or when too much fluid or salt is lost through dehydration or sweating, body temperature rises and you or someone you care about may experience a heat-related illness. It is important to know the symptoms of excessive heat exposure and appropriate responses. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides a list of warning signs and symptoms of heat illness and recommended first aid steps. Some of these symptoms and steps are listed below. Please also see the National Weather Service heat illness information page.

Heat Exhaustion 

Heat exhaustion occurs when the body is dehydrated. Without intervention, this condition can lead to more serious health risks.

Symptoms 

  • Cool and Clammy Skin
  • Cramps
  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Profuse Sweating
  • Weakness

First Aid

  • Move person to a cooler environment
  • Lay the person down and loosen clothing
  • Apply cool, wet cloths to as much of the body as possible
  • Fan or move victim to an air-conditioned room
  • Offer sips of water
  • If the person vomits more than once, seek immediate medical attention. 

Heat Stroke

Heat stroke occurs when the body cannot perspire and the body overheats. Without intervention, this condition can lead to confusion, coma, and death. 

Symptoms

  • Body Temperature Over 101 Degrees Fahrenheit
  • Chills
  • Flushed Face
  • Headache
  • Hot and Dry Skin
  • Nausea
  • No Sweating
  • Rapid Pulse

First Aid 

  • Heat stroke is a severe medical emergency. Call 911 or get the victim to a hospital immediately. Delay can be fatal.
  • Move the victim to a cooler, preferably air-conditioned, environment.
  • Reduce body temperature with cool cloths or bath.
  • Use a fan if heat index temperatures are below the high 90s. A fan can make you hotter at higher temperatures.
  • Do NOT give fluids.

For more information on all these topics, see the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention site. 

City Operations Plans for Heat-Related Emergencies 

The City of Lebanon Emergency Management Director or designee may activate the City's Heat Emergency Annex to the City's Emergency Operations Plan. The following is a list of actions we will consider depending on the severity of the emergency.

  • Contact local cooling shelters to determine the readiness of facilities. Notifications of shelter locations will be distributed via LebAlert, the City's website, and local media outlets.
  • Distribute bottled water to cooling shelters.
  • Consider free admission to the Lebanon Municipal Pool for residents.