These three Haitian Creole resources focus on extreme heat, specifically heat stress in the elderly and tips for preventing heat-related illness.

People suffer heat-related illness when their bodies are unable to compensate and properly cool themselves. The body normally cools itself by sweating. But under some conditions, sweating just isn't enough. In such cases, a person's body temperature rises rapidly. Very high body temperatures may damage the brain or other vital organs.

This brochure offers practical information about heat wave safety that will help the general public in Haiti to act accordingly when necessary. It explains: what a heat wave is, how to get ready, what do to in time of heat wave and how to identify, care for people suffering from heat wave and who to call. The brochure also point out the difference between excessive heat surveillance, excessive heat warning and heat period announcements.  

Elderly people (that is, people aged 65 years and older) are more prone to heat stress (heat stroke and heat exhuastion) than younger people for several reasons: Elderly people do not adjust as well as young people to sudden changes in temperature. They are more likely to have a chronic medical condition that upsets normal body responses to heat. They are more likely to take prescription medicines that impair the body’s ability to regulate its temperature or that inhibit perspiration.