Humidity, its Effects and Dangers to People and Animals in Beaufort, SC

Humidity in the Beaufort, Hilton Head Island, Hunting Island and Parris Island areas can get near 100% during the summer months, usually averaging above 75% during June through September. Although the body adjusts and discomfort decreases over time, the effects on the body remain the same.
It's just part of the lifestyle here!

Humidity is a part of living near the coast or really any large body of water. When the lower atmosphere retains more moisture because of evaporation, it is said to be more humid. When the humidity reaches about 80%, the air becomes saturated with moisture and evaporation becomes very difficult. Near 100% and no further evaporation occurs at all. The bodies of all warm blooded creatures, including humans, regulate their core temperature for the most part through evaporation. Couple high humidity with high temperatures and this can cause some very serious problems involving temperature control within the body. When our body temperature rises, we control this by producing sweat. As the sweat evaporates, heat is removed, thus lowering internal temperature. When sweat can not evaporate, heat remains and rapidly begins to build. If the activity producing the heat is not stopped or slowed down, body temperatures can rise to the point producing a total shutdown of the system...
known as "Heat Stroke". In the first stages, known as "Heat Exhaustion", the body is beginning to have problems regulating the internal temperature. It's telling you with symptoms such as excessive sweating, increased breathing, cramps and fatigue to stop and rest. Cool down! If ignored, the body's regulation shuts down completely and fails, and can lead to rapid death. Paramedics call this a meltdown. If the air feels sticky, muggy and thick, it is at least 80% humid, and that is high humidity.
Follow these basic rules and you will be just fine, don't .... oh well!

Humidity Rules
1)	Drink plenty of water. At least 2 quarts every hour for high temperature.
2)	Take frequent breaks and allow the body to cool down. High humidity and temperature will begin to make you fatigue easily. Usually this means taking a 10-15 minute break every hour when conditions warrant. Productivity increases with frequent breaks, and so does quality. That's a fact.
3)	Wear loose clothing that will circulate air movement and absorb sweat. This helps aid in "artificial" evaporation.
4)	If you become dizzy, this is a last sign of Heat Exhaustion and means to rest. It's your last warning before your system begins to fail.
5)	Rest under some shade where there is some air movement.
6)	When drinking water, drink it slowly. Cool water, not cold, is best.
7)	Applying water to large areas of the skin will rapidly bring down body's core temperature. Don't use ice water, this can cause shock. Water fights are a good way to lower the body temperature and bring the exhausted back to life! This makes a great 2:00 PM break.
8)	Wrap a wet scarf or clothing around your forehead.
9)	Do NOT drink soft drinks containing caffeine. This will cause dehydration.
10)	The worst time for humid conditions to exist is between 12-3 PM.
11)	Chewing or sucking on ice can really help.
12)	More sleep is necessary when working outdoors in high humidity.
13)	Don't eat huge servings at lunch, digestion raises body temperature.

What IF....
1)	First signs of trouble: excessive sweating, dry mouth and general fatigue.
2)	Last signs of Heat Exhaustion: dizziness. Heat Stroke is next.
3)	Heat Exhaustion can cause victims to become irritated, confused and combative. This is a later sign of Heat Exhaustion.
4)	If a victim collapses, place them supine in shade with legs elevated. Call 911 because I.V. fluids may need to be administered. Give plenty of water only if victim is awake and cool them with normal temperature water. A cool, wet cloth laid on the forehead and wrists will aid in cooling. It would be a good time to give the others a long break as they might be next. Give the victim the rest of the day off to recover. Their system is damaged.
5)	High humidity in the summer can make it feel much hotter than it really is.
6)	High humidity in cold weather is exactly the reverse. It can make you feel much colder than it really is. Frequent warming breaks will help along with several layers of loose dry clothing, particularly on the feet and head.