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of the body's heat dissipating function. Heat disorders generally have to do with a reduction or collapse of the body's ability to cool itself by circulatory changes and sweating, or a chemical (salt) imbalance caused by too much sweating. When the body cannot cool itself, or when it cannot compensate for fluids and salt lost through perspiration, the temperature of the body's inner core begins to rise and heat -related illness may develop. Studies indicate that, other things being equal, the severity of heat disorders tend to increase with age. Heat cramps in a 17 -year old may be heat exhaustion in a 40 -year old, and heat stroke in a person over 60. When the temperature gets extremely high, the NWS has increased its efforts to alert the general public as well as the appropriate authorities by issuing special weather statements. Residents should heed these warnings to prevent heat -related medical complications. As a result of the latest research findings, the NWS has devised the "Heat Index" (HI). The HI, given in degrees Fahrenheit, is an accurate measure of how hot it really feels when relative humidity is added to the actual air temperature. The NWS will initiate alert procedures when the HI is expected to exceed 105°F for at least two consecutive days. Possible heat disorders related to the corresponding HI are listed below. • Heat Index of 130°F or higher— Heatstroke/sunstroke with exposure for people in higher risk groups; • Heat Index of 105°F -130°F —Sunstroke, heat cramps, and heat exhaustion likely and heatstroke possible with prolonged physical activity; • Heat Index of 90°F -105°F — Sunstroke, heat cramps with prolonged exposure; and, • Heat Index of 80°F -90°F — Fatigue possible with prolonged exposure and physical activity (NWS, 1999b). Historic Events. The highest temperature ever recorded in the state was on June 29, 1931 at 109°F in Monticello at an elevation of 207 feet (NCDC, 2003b). From 1979-2003, excessive heat exposure caused 8,015 deaths in the United States. During this period, more people in this country died from extreme heat than from hurricanes, lightning, tornadoes, floods, and earthquakes combined. In 2001, 300 deaths were caused by excessive heat exposure." (CDC, 2009)There were Indian River County Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan Basic Page 43