The Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency (VITEMA) has issued critical weather alerts due to soaring temperatures across the islands.
St. Croix is under an Excessive Heat Warning, while St. Thomas and St. John have been placed under a Heat Advisory.
Urgent calls for caution amid rising heat
VITEMA has advised the public to adopt safety measures to mitigate the risks associated with the extreme heat.
The agency recommends staying hydrated and seeking refuge indoors or in shaded areas during peak heat hours.
Special attention should be given to vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and pets to prevent heat-related health issues.
The human cost of heat
Annually, heat waves are responsible for approximately 1,220 fatalities in the United States, marking them as a significant but preventable public health hazard.
Conditions like heat exhaustion and heat stroke are common during these periods, stemming from the body’s inability to adequately cool itself.
Risk factors and vulnerable populations
Several factors exacerbate the risk of suffering from heat-related illnesses. These include high humidity, obesity, underlying health conditions like heart disease or mental illness, and certain behaviors such as alcohol consumption.
While those with chronic conditions and the elderly are at increased risk, healthy individuals are also vulnerable, especially when participating in intense physical activities in hot conditions.
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