The Weather Channel(R) Approaches Summer Season With Cautionary Tale of 1995 Chicago Heat Wave

The Weather Channel(R) Approaches Summer Season With Cautionary Tale of 1995 Chicago Heat Wave

Network Marks 10th Anniversary With Special Features and Safety Information

ATLANTA, June 27 /PRNewswire/ -- It was unbelievable to consider at the time that at the dawn of the 21st century, in one of the greatest cities in the wealthiest country on Earth, that hundreds of people could die simply because of a heat wave. But that is exactly what happened, and on July 12, The Weather Channel marks the anniversary of this tragedy during Evening Edition (9:00 - 11:00pm ET) with a special Forecast Earth segment dedicated to explaining what happened during the 1995 Chicago heat wave and what's been done to ensure it doesn't happen again.

Hosted by Dr. Heidi Cullen, climate expert at The Weather Channel, this Forecast Earth episode looks at the factors that contributed to the deaths of more than 500 people in Chicago alone. As temperatures soared to 106 degrees on July 13th, people began to realize that this was more than just an uncomfortable situation ... it was quickly turning into a crisis.

Coming in August, Dr. Cullen further explores the disaster in a new 30- minute Forecast Earth special, "Chicago Heat Wave," airing at 7:00pm ET August 22, with encore airings at 9pm the 24th and 7pm on the 26th.

As Dr. Cullen explains in one segment, many cities, including Chicago, instituted new procedures for handling extreme heat following the terrible summer of 1995. Despite these efforts, heat continues to claim hundreds of lives each year.

"While many other weather-related disasters get far more attention, heat is the number one weather-related killer in the United States, outpacing the number of deaths from hurricanes, tornadoes, lightning, floods, and earthquakes combined," said Dr. Cullen. "Between the years of 1994 - 2003, we've seen the average of heat-related deaths in the U.S. climb to 237(1) from the historical average of 175(2), and climate change could make heat waves more common and more intense."

Visitors to weather.com, the popular web site of The Weather Channel, can access much more information on staying safe during times of extreme heat at the site's Project Safeside section, weather.com/safeside/heat.

Information on the site includes heat facts, tips on how to prepare ahead of time for extreme heat, what to do once a heat wave is occurring, and what steps to take once a heat-related health emergency begins.

For your convenience, a synopsis of these tips is attached. Please visit www.weather.com/safeside/heat for further information, and contact Matt Boyter at (770) 226-2191 to arrange an interview with Dr. Heidi Cullen or to request a preview tape of "Forecast Earth: Chicago Heat Wave."

BACKGROUND About The Weather Channel

The Weather Channel, a 24-hour weather network, is seen in over 88 million U.S. households. Its Web site, weather.com, reaches more than 25 million unique users per month. Its content is currently ranked the 11th most popular in the U.S. by Nielsen//NetRatings. The Weather Channel also operates Weatherscan, a 24-hour, all-local weather network distributed to almost 7 million households, The Weather Channel Radio Network, The Weather Channel Newspaper Services and is the leading weather information provider for emerging technologies. This includes broadband and interactive television applications, with wireless weather products accessible through high-speed Internet services, phones, pagers, Palm Pilots, and other personal digital assistants. The Weather Channel is owned by Landmark Communications, Inc., a Norfolk, VA-based, privately held media company.

(1) Source: Centers for Disease Control (2) Source: Federal Emergency Management Agency

Contact: Matt Boyter 770-226-2191 mboyter@weather.com

HEAT TIPS FROM THE WEATHER CHANNEL(R)

Extreme heat is a serious weather event concern that can affect you in any geographical region. It is easy to underestimate how the dangerous effects of extreme heat can overpower our physical and mental state, slowly and subtly, so that our condition may not be apparent until it is too late.

Extreme heat's manifestations: - A spell of sweltering humidity, which reaches levels commonly associated with moist tropical regions. The stress on the body can be exacerbated when atmospheric conditions cause pollutants to be trapped near the ground. - An excessively dry condition, in which strong winds and blowing dust can worsen the situation. - A rise in the heat index: the body's perception of the "apparent" temperature based on both the air's real temperature and the amount of moisture present in the air. Humidity and mugginess make the temperature seem higher than it is. In high humidity, an 85 degree day may be perceived as 95 degrees.

Before Extreme Heat Occurs Prepare!

Because extreme heat can strike virtually anywhere in the country, it is important to map out a strategy for keeping your cool in a sweltering situation.

Be Informed

Check the incidence of extreme heat in your area by contacting an expert source like your local American Red Cross Chapter.

Use the Heat Index Chart to determine what the temperature feels like to your skin.

Learn how your town handles emergencies by contacting - Your local American Red Cross chapter or check the business listing of your white pages. - Your local Emergency Management Agency (EMA)

Be Prepared Develop a Family Disaster Plan that includes the following: - Identify locations where you can escape sweltering conditions for hours at a time: a mall, a movie theater, or the home of a friend or relative. - In addition to Your Family Disaster Supplies Kit, make sure you have extra water or juice available, as well as sunscreen and wide brimmed hats if you venture outdoors. - For more information on assembling and refreshing supplies, contact the American Red Cross for their Disaster Supplies Kit brochure.

Prepare Your Home - Keep your home cool with shades, draperies, awnings, or shutters to reduce the amount of heat that comes into your home.

If you have air conditioning - Install weather stripping and storm windows to keep heat out and cool in. - Make sure your air conditioning works properly before the summer months.

If you have no air conditioning - Open your windows and keep fresh air moving through your home. - Keep circulating fans on hand to distribute cool air.

During An Extreme Heat Event The advisory or warning has been issued. Now what do you do?

Before Exposure - Stay indoors and avoid extreme temperature changes. - If air conditioning is not available, stay on the lowest floor out of the sunshine. - Keep your electric fans running. - Drink fluids - particularly water or juice - often, even if you do not feel thirsty, to help your body's thermostat stay cool. Avoid alcoholic beverages (including beer), which dehydrate the body. - Eat small, frequent meals. Avoid foods that are high in protein, which increase metabolic heat. - Keep pets indoors and refill their water bowls frequently.

During Exposure - If you must go out, wear lightweight, light-colored clothing to reflect the sun's energy. - Slow down, avoid strenuous outdoor activity. If you must engage in strenuous activity, do it during the coolest part of the day, between 4 a.m. and 7 a.m. - Cover all exposed skin with a high SPF sun screen, and wear a wide brimmed hat to protect your face and head. - Drink plenty of fluids.

After Exposure - Continue drinking plenty of water and juice. - Never take a cool shower immediately after becoming overheated. You may cool too quickly and become ill, nauseous, or dizzy.

In The Event Of An Extreme Heat Health Emergency

If a health emergency arises due to extreme heat, identify the symptoms and take the following steps.

Heat Cramps - Symptoms: muscle pains and spasms caused by heavy exertion, which trigger loss of water through heavy perspiration. - Treatment: to relieve, press on cramping muscles or use gentle massage. Take sips of water unless nausea occurs.

Heat Exhaustion - Symptoms: a mild form of shock marked by heavy sweating, weakness, cold and clammy skin, a weak pulse, fainting, and vomiting. - If not treated, the victim's condition will worsen; the body temperature will keep rising, possibly leading to heat stroke. - Treatment: rest in a cool place. Loosen clothing and apply cool, wet cloths. Continue taking sips of water unless nausea occurs. If vomiting occurs, seek medical attention. - Note: brief exposure to extreme heat can precipitate this condition in very young children and the elderly.

Heat Stroke (Sunstroke) - Symptoms: the ability to sweat stops, and body temperature can rise so high that brain damage and death may occur in less than ten minutes unless medical help is immediate. - Treatment: call 911 immediately for emergency medical services. Remove clothing, and use a cool sponge bath or fan to attempt to lower body temperature. DO NOT GIVE FLUIDS!

Source: The Weather Channel

CONTACT: Matt Boyter of The Weather Channel, +1-770-226-2191, or mboyter@weather.com

Web site: http://www.weather.com/ http://www.weather.com/safeside/heat

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