Staying cool during a heat wave

  • Published
  • By Robert Fox
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  White, green, yellow, red and black are colors everyone will see more of flying from a flag pole as the mercury in thermometers continues to climb. 

The solid colored flags flown in a half dozen locations around Sheppard are warning levels for the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature heat stress index, said Airman Timothy Heath, a bioengineering apprentice who issues the warnings to the command post. The WBGT takes into account humidity, wind, air temperature, and radiant heat. Radiant heat is heat held and later released by concrete, glass, asphalt and metal. 

"It may be 106 (degrees) outside one day by the temperature you get from the weather, and be only 82 degrees according to WBGT," Airman Heath said. 

The measurements are taken once an hour and the command post is notified at least by 10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. or when there is a significant change, Airman Heath said. The child development center is also first to know if the heat index goes up. 

"We do call the child development center on the flag conditions throughout the day, so they know how long the kids should be outside or if they should bring them in," he said.
He also said everyone--active duty, civilians and dependants--should pay attention to the flag conditions and use caution. 

Exercise physiologist John Martin said knowing the index is important because most people are 2 to 3 percent dehydrated before they go outside. The easiest way to beat the heat is to stay out of it, but due to mission requirements, that is not always an option. He said when staying out of the heat is not an option, people need to take preventative steps to avoid heat stress injuries. 

Drinking enough water is paramount. Mr. Martin said he recommends 8 to 12 ounces of water half an hour before working outdoors, 6 to 8 ounces for every 15-20 minutes working outdoors and another 16 to 24 ounces when have completed outdoor work. 

"We can't push (drinking water) enough because most people don't get enough, especially with the conditions we have," he said. 

Drinking too much water could cause water intoxication. 

Almost as important as drinking water is using a work-to-rest ratio. Mr. Martin suggests working 10 to 15 minutes and taking five minutes to get some water and find some shade. 

He also suggested wearing a dry-fit material such as Under Armor™ because they let the body breathe. Materials like polyester-cotton blends trap heat and sweat against the body and increase the risk of a heat stress injury. 

Having a higher level of physical fitness will also help you beat the heat Mr. Martin said.
For more information on the prevention of heat stress disorders, see Air Education Training Command Instruction 48-101.