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Heat-related deaths in Florida have skyrocketed in the past three years, impacting the state’s minority groups the most, according to new data published in the National Conference of Citizenship’s (NCoC) Pandemic to Prosperity report in July.
The NCoC, a congressionally chartered nonprofit that focuses on advancing civic life in the U.S., found that heat-related deaths in Florida have seen a staggering 88% increase between 2019 and 2022.
The highest recorded heat-related deaths occurred last year, totaling 1,713. American Indians were impacted the most, seeing 2.5 and 2.4 deaths per 100,000 people in 2021 and 2022, respectively.
Heat-related deaths among Black Americans, the next most-impacted group, were 0.6 per 100,000 people.
July temperatures:July was full of warm temperatures, hot ocean water and pop-up storms. Was it unusual?
The NCoC compiled the data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s WONDER database.
The report comes as record-breaking temperatures sweep across the country and as Florida experiences a unique ocean heat wave where temperatures have been five degrees above normal, pushing into triple digits.
Extreme heat events are one of the leading causes of weather-related deaths in the U.S., causing more deaths each year than hurricanes, lightning, tornadoes, earthquakes, and floods combined, according to the Florida Department of Health.
Fortunately, heat-related illnesses and deaths are preventable. Here’s how to protect yourself.
What are heat-related illnesses?
Heat-related illnesses often stem from your body’s decreased ability to cool itself under the duress of extreme heat. The NWS says that if your body heats up too quickly to cool itself properly, or when too much fluid or salt is lost through dehydration, it can lead to heat cramps, heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
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What are the signs of heat illness?
Here are the signs of heat-related illnesses, according to the CDC.
Heat cramps
- Painful muscle cramps and spasms, usually in your legs and abdomen.
- Heavy sweating
Heat exhaustion
- Heavy sweating
- Weakness or tiredness
- Cool, pale or clammy skin
- Fast, weak pulse
- Muscle cramps
- Dizziness, nausea or vomiting
Heat stroke
- Throbbing headache
- Confusion
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Body temperature above 103 degrees
- Hot, red, dry or damp skin
- Rapid and strong pulse
What to do if someone is experiencing a heat illness
Here is what the CDC recommends doing if you or someone around you is experiencing a heat illness.
Heat cramps
Apply firm pressure on cramping muscles or gently massage to relieve spasms. Give sips of water unless the person complains of nausea, then stop giving water.
Seek immediate medical attention if cramps last longer than one hour.
Heat exhaustion
Move the person to a cooler environment, preferably one with air conditioning. Loosen their clothing and apply wet cloths or have the person sit in a cool bath. Offer sips of water.
Seek medical attention if the person vomits, symptoms worsen or last longer than one hour.
Heat stroke
Heat stroke is a severe medical condition where delay can be fatal. The CDC recommends calling 911 or get the person to the hospital immediately. Do not give them any fluids.
Learn more about heat warnings, watches:What do heat warnings and watches mean? Terms you should know
How can I stay cool in extreme heat?
The NWS provides plenty of helpful tips to help people stay cool during excessive heat events.
Eating and drinking
- Eat light, easily-digestible foods, such as fruits and salads
- Consider carrying an ice pack if your food may be left out for extended periods
- Drink plenty of water — even if you don’t feel thirsty
- Avoid drinking alcohol and caffeinated drinks
Cooling down
- Use air conditioners. If that’s not possible, consider moving to a public space where air conditioning is provided.
- Use portable electric fans to help expel hot air from rooms and draw cold air in
- Do not direct the flow of portable fans toward yourself when the room temperature is hotter than 90 degrees as the dry air can lead to dehydration.
- Take a cool bath or shower
Outdoor activities
- It’s generally best to avoid or reschedule any strenuous outdoor activities until the coolest time of day or after the heat wave passes. If this isn’t possible, slow down.
- Wear light-weight, loose-fitting and light-colored clothing to help reflect heat and sunlight
- Minimize direct exposure to the sun
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