Brave the Elements
The weather can change suddenly and dramatically. Be prepared by monitoring weather conditions before you set out for the day. Check the conditions and make adequate preparations before you travel.
Flash Flooding
Summer in New Mexico brings rain. July and August are traditionally the months with the most rain, sometimes producing flash floods. The mountains can catch and channel large quantities of water down tiny little streams or dry wash beds in a matter of seconds turning them into raging floods that sweep away everything in their path. Always camp away from and above the stream bank. Never park your tent, trailer or vehicle next to a stream or river overnight.
Statistics clearly point out the high risk of driving in and around flooded roads and low spots. The rule is simple: if you cannot see the road or its line markings, do not drive through the water.
Moving water exerts a pressure on an object such as a car or person. As water depth increases or a greater area is exposed to moving water, a greater force will be exerted. Also, as a surface becomes slippery, friction is reduced. Water, sand, or mud tends to replace the frictional forces that hold a car in place.
Even though the weight of Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) may appear to offer a greater protection in crossing flooded roads, their size and larger tires can make them more buoyant and more prone to being swept away. Bottom Line: It is just as dangerous to drive an SUV through flooded waters.
Heat Exhaustion/Heat Stroke
Heat exhaustion typically occurs when excessive activity is done in a hot, humid place, causing the body to have excessive loss of fluid. Vital organs began to lose blood flow because blood flow is diverted to the skin.
Symptoms of heat exhaustion are prolonged sweating, paleness, clammy skin, nausea, muscle cramps, headache, dizziness, weakening of the body and extreme fatigue. The body will lose fluids, which can cause an electrolyte imbalance. This imbalance can cause the person to collapse or have a heat stroke.
With a heat stroke, the person sweats very little or not at all. There is a rapid pulse, flushed skin and a decrease in mental status. The temperature of the body increases to 104 F rapidly. Treatment involves seeking medical attention immediately, moving the person to a cool area, loosen clothing, application of wet cloths, and encouragement of intake of fluids if conscious. This should be done until the body temperature drops to 101 F.
Heat related illnesses and death are largely preventable with proper planning, education, and action. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke can be prevented. Care should be taken to plan activities in temperatures that are not extremely hot and taxing on the body. Wear clothing that allows the body to breath and intake air. Drink plenty of fluids while conducting any activity in heated conditions. It is recommended that a quart of fluid is consumed every hour. Schedule plenty of time for rest breaks within the planned activity period.
Heat-related Illness (Hyperthermia)
Heat.gov serves as the premier source of heat and health information for the nation to reduce the health, economic, and infrastructural impacts of extreme heat.
Hypothermia and Frostbite
Hypothermia is a condition that results when more heat escapes from your body than your body can produce. The control mechanisms of the body fail to maintain the normal core body temperature of 98.6 F. A body temperature of lower than 95 F signals hypothermia. Other signs and symptoms include a gradual loss of mental and physical abilities, rapid breathing, muscle rigidity, loss of manual dexterity, and unconsciousness.
Frostbite can appear as a robust redden area, often mistaken as a bite. However, it is body tissue that is frozen by severe weather conditions. Most often frostbite affects exposed parts such as fingers, toes, nose, chin, and earlobes. Frostbite occurs frequently when temperatures drop below freezing and there is prolonged exposure to these temperatures. Signs and symptoms of frostbite include a loss of feeling and a pale appearance of the affected extremity. Treatment of frostbite includes seeking medical attention and a slow rewarming of the affected areas.
The key to preventing hypothermia and frostbite is to take precautions in exposing your body to conditions that allow the core body temperature to decrease. Protective clothing (layered clothing) should be worn. Be aware and plan for weather conditions. Avoid getting wet in cold weather.
Treatment of hypothermia varies with the severity of the disease. For mild hypothermia, warming is the key. Any wet clothes should be removed. Warm liquids should be given and the person kept warm for several hours. For moderate hypothermia, the person should be treated the same as mild, but no drinks given because of the deteriorating mental status. Medical attention should be obtained immediately. With severe cases, the person may be semiconscious or unconscious. Cover should be applied to prevent further heat loss and medical attention obtained immediately. If total loss of unconsciousness occurs, the person should be checked for a pulse and breathing and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) began if warranted.