Climate Care Kit

Extreme Heat

The warming climate raises global temperatures, which leads to very hot days and nights. These temperatures can be extremely dangerous for our health, and Metro Manila may one day be a deadly hot spot for heat. Our bodies work best at around 37°C or 98.6°F. If we get too hot, our blood starts to thicken, which makes our heart work harder. Our bodies sweat to cool themselves, but high temperatures and humidity can interfere with our ability to cool down effectively. All this strain on our heart can damage our organs. If our core temperatures rise above 104°F or 40°C, our organs start shutting down and we may get heat stroke.

Spotting Extreme Heat

It's important to learn how to spot situations where you may be at risk for dangerous temperatures. See if you can guess how these day-to-day activities can turn dangerous.

Exercising in hot weather

Heat Exhaustion

Exercising outdoors during hot days can cause your body to overheat, and it may not be able to cool itself down. In this situation, you may develop heat exhaustion. If it is especially humid, your sweat won't be able to evaporate. This type of heat exhaustion is a common problem among athletes and military recruits.

Changing of the seasons

Rise in temperatures

Unlike other countries, the Philippines has two seasons: the wet season and the dry season. During the dry season, the temperatures will rise and the number of hot days will increase. These temperatures can become dangerous, and it is important to monitor them.

Feeling dizzy while in a hot room

Heat Stroke

Heat stroke doesn't just happen outdoors. Indoor temperatures can become equally dangerous, especially if there is no ventilation. One of the symptoms of heat stroke is an altered state of mind, like being confused, slurring speech, or even having seizures. Get medical help right away if you notice anybody with these signs.

Strolling around the city

Urban Heat Island (UHI)

Cities can actually increase the effects of extreme heat. Since there is less greenery to provide shade, more traffic, and lots of pavement that absorbs heat; there is a higher likelihood for heat-related illnesses in urban environments. This is called the Urban Heat Island effect. Metro Manila, like other Philippine cities, suffers from the UHI.

Staying Prepared

Making small adjustments to your lifestyle can help you prepare for times of extreme heat. Here are a few things you can start doing today.

Keep your water bottles, umbrellas, and other items to battle extreme heat with you at all times.

Building a Climate Care Kit can keep everything you need together in one place for when you need it.

Our kit builder can show you what you need to build a climate-ready health kit for the first time. Take the first step by learning how to build your kit with us.