Beat The Heat Published July 29, 2015 By Airman 1st Class Cody R. Miller 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- As we progress into the summer season it is important to practice good risk management and stay educated on the dangers of extreme heat. Experts agree that high temperatures and humidity can cause various problems with the body, such as dehydration and sunburn, and are often times the most dangerous threat during the summer. According to the National Weather Service's website, in the years of 2004-2013, heat stroke or exhaustion killed or injured over 120 people in America. The intense temperatures of states like Florida are the reason many people at Tyndall succumb to the heat. Another reason Airmen may have problems is their inexperience with the dangers hot weather presents. If Airmen equip themselves with facts and knowledge, they would be able to avoid the risk of heat stroke or dehydration. According to the Occupational Health and Safety Administration's website, the region of Florida registers in the "Extreme Danger" level on the heat index. This means that temperatures in the area have the potential to get upwards of 130 degrees Fahrenheit; while conditions such as heat stroke can occur at just around 105 degrees Fahrenheit, said Staff Sgt. Daniel S. Welker, the Emergency Management Representative with the 325th Comptroller Squadron. "I have personally seen Airmen running excessively in heat and wearing layers of clothes, thinking that it will metabolize more fat, which is incorrect and only leads to excessive water loss," said Welker. According to OSHA's website, signs that someone is suffering from heatstroke are: -Lack of sweat despite heat -Vomiting -Rapid heartbeat -Rapid, shallow breathing -Behavioral changes such as confusion, disorientation, or staggering -Seizure -Unconsciousness Welker said if ever encounter someone showing these symptoms, remove the victim from the hot environment if possible and wet the victim's clothes and skin. They should then call 911 and apply ice packs to the patient's armpits, groin, neck, and back areas if possible, said Welker.