"Be heat smart," Joplin Fire Department Training Chief Dustin Lunow says.

It's hot, VERY hot outside. High temperature can cause emergency situations that include heat exhaustion, heat stroke and fires.

Joplin Fire Training Chief Dustin Lunow stopped by the KZRG Morning Newswatch on Wednesday to discuss dangers posed by the heat.

He emphasizes the heat can be more than uncomfortable.

He says it also can be deadly.

Heat illness

"The most dangerous thing, of course, is heat illness," Lunow states.

"This includes heat exhaustion, muscle cramps and profuse sweating. When you get to that point of heat stroke, all heat stroke will result in death unless you correct it."

"You've got to get that person into a cool environment," he states. "It has to happen or the person will not survive that."

Lunow says heatstroke needs emergency care. If not treated, heatstroke can quickly damage the brain, heart, kidneys and muscles.

He says you should get the person out of the heat and call 911 immediately.

Fire Risks

Grass fires ignite at 300-400°F from heat alone.

Another danger are vehicle catalytic converters that can set grass on fire.

Lunow says humidity plays a very big part in how fast fires can grow.

He says low humidity, combined with heat, can result in explosive fire conditions.

Lunow says for firefighters, shifts have to be shortened and crews rotated due to heat gear and dehydration risks.

What can you do?

Dustin Lunow says it is important to follow burn bans. Almost every city and county in the area has implemented burn bans that will remain in effect until at least the end of the month.

That means avoiding any and all outdoor burning.

The countywide burn ban forbids any open flame including charcoal and wood and includes outdoor cooking.

"Propane is the only thing allowed," Lunow states

Be heat smart

Lunow says, in terms of dealing with the heat, it's important to be sure to hydrate before, during and after outside activities.

"If you must work outside, try to work in the morning before the heat of the day takes over."

Heatstroke symptoms

• High body temperature. A core body temperature of 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius) or higher is the main sign of heatstroke.

• Change in mental state or behavior. Confusion, agitation, slurred speech, irritability, delirium, seizures and coma can all result from heatstroke.

• Change in sweating pattern. In heatstroke brought on by hot weather, skin feels hot and dry to the touch. However, in heatstroke brought on by strenuous exercise, sweating may be profuse.

• Nausea and vomiting. Someone with heatstroke may feel sick to their stomach or vomit.

• Flushed skin. Skin may turn red as body temperature increases.

• Rapid breathing. Breathing may become rapid and shallow.

• Racing heart rate. Pulse may significantly increase because heat stress places an extreme burden on the heart to help cool the body.

• Headache. Heatstroke may cause the head to throb.