"What is this?" About Heat Stroke Alert
As some regions begin to see the end of the rainy season, news reports are increasingly covering the topics of heat and heat stroke.
In this article, I will summarize the "Heat Stroke Alert," which we often hear about but may not know in detail.
Where is it announced from?
First of all, who exactly issues this Heat Stroke Alert?
The Heat Stroke Alert is information jointly issued by the Japan Meteorological Agency and the Ministry of the Environment on days when the risk of heat stroke is expected to be extremely high.
Since it is a forecast, you might sometimes think, "It was hot today, but there was no alert where I live," but this is why.
What is the purpose?
The purpose is to encourage "awareness" of dangerous heat and to call for heat stroke prevention actions. Even on days when it is hot day after day, it is helpful for people who are busy with their daily lives to have an alert issued. When a warning alert is issued, it becomes an important indicator to "be careful about the heat no matter what."
Are there criteria for the announcement?
As mentioned earlier, this Heat Stroke Alert is jointly issued by the Japan Meteorological Agency and the Ministry of the Environment, but are there any criteria for this announcement?
The criteria for the announcement is when the Heat Stress Index (WBGT), which considers not only temperature but also humidity and solar radiation, is expected to reach a forecast value of "33".
Here comes WBGT, which stands for the Heat Stress Index.
I explained WBGT in great detail in the previous article, so please take a look at that if you like.
What should you do when an alert is issued?
▪️ Recommended actions when an alert is issued
・Refrain from going out: Avoid non-essential and non-urgent outings as much as possible.
・Spend time in a cool environment: Use air conditioning appropriately indoors and do not endure the heat; spend time in a cool environment.
・Frequent hydration and salt intake: Consciously consume water and salt before you feel thirsty.
・Check on those around you: Be especially careful with the elderly, infants, and those with underlying medical conditions, and check on them frequently.
It is said that a higher-level "Heat Stroke Special Alert" may be issued if even more serious conditions are predicted, but I just hope it is never issued.
As I wrote in the previous article I linked to earlier, WBGT can be easily measured with a compact device like a thermometer. It might be reassuring to have one when you cannot check the warning alert or to know the current situation in the "place where you are." Also, even if you do not have a measuring device, you can check the announcement status in your area and the detailed Heat Stress Index (WBGT) in real-time on the Ministry of the Environment's Heat Stroke Prevention Information Site. Why not use it as a reference before going out or in your daily life?