HEAT

DEFINITION: exposure to elevated external temperatures that cause one’s internal temperature to rise

PHYSICAL SIGNALS:
Flushed skin
Sweat
Chapped lips
Squinting or closing one’s eyes
Fanning oneself with a hat or book
Peeling off excess clothing
Rolling up pants and long sleeves
Splotchy skin
Flapping the front of one’s shirt to cool the body
Weakened steps
Arms hanging limply at one’s sides
Shuffling
Swaying on one’s feet
Walking with an unsteady gait
Panting or wheezing
Fainting
Turning toward even the faintest of breezes
Heat rash
A puffy look
Large sweat patches on one’s clothing
Increased body odor
Sunburn
Swollen feet and ankles
Eyes that appear sunken
Peeling skin
A lack of coordination
Falling down
Sweat-darkened hair
Frizzy hair (if humidity is a factor)
Blotting at the face and neck with a towel or tissue
Shielding one’s head with whatever is at hand

INTERNAL SENSATIONS:
A dry or sticky mouth
Hot skin
A tongue that feels swollen
Blurred vision
Blood pounding in the skull
Lightheadedness and dizziness
Nausea and vomiting
Muscle weakness
Muscle cramps and spasms
Headaches
Lethargy
Excessive thirst
Rapid heartbeat
Fatigue
Muscles that feel weighted

MENTAL RESPONSES:
Confusion
Irritability
An inability to think clearly
Lack of focus
Fantasizing about water
Single-minded focus on finding shade or a reprieve from the heat

CUES OF ACUTE OR LONG-TERM HEAT:
Elevated body temperature
Stripping down; ceasing to care about appearance or modesty
Hostility or rage
Impaired decision-making
Skin that ceases to sweat
Dark-colored urine
Hallucinations
Seizures
Brain damage
Loss of consciousness
Death

WRITER’S TIP:Heat is a natural amplifier, the perfect catalyst for pushing ordinary people to anger and violence. But characters and readers need a respite from the heat every once in awhile. Give them a break periodically by providing relief, a chance to rest and recharge so they’re better able to jump back into battle when the temperature rises again.