Heat is number one weather related killer

The extreme heat that has been affecting a huge portion of the US, has already been the cause for at least 2 deaths in Missouri. It’s this heat each year that prompts meteorologist to stress the importance of heat safety. According to statistics provided by the National Weather Service, heat is the number one weather related killer in the United States, followed by flooding, and then tornadoes.

While each year the number of deaths can vary greatly, it all can depend on the intensity of your typical summertime upper level ridge. The NWS says that on average 130 people die each year from heat related illnesses. Just last year, 45 deaths were to blame for heat, down from the 92 reported in 2013. Of the 45 deaths, only 1 person in Missouri died from heat related illnesses.

It’s for these reasons, that meteorologists inform you of what you need to do to ensure your safety. While summer is still here for the better part of two months, the extreme heat is coming to an end. Even with that said, it’s important to make sure you do the right thing and keep yourself hydrated, don’t leave little ones in the car, and always make sure you check on the elders.

You want to make sure you aren’t a statistic in heat related deaths. In fact, information provided by Health Research Funding says there is 100 percent survival rate, when rapid treatment is given to someone who has a heat related illness.