The Sheriff’s Emergency Services Division is advising citizens to take action against the summer’s imminent heat. “As we head into the second week of unseasonably high temperatures, Emergency Services would like to remind everyone to take a few precautionary measures”, stated ES Captain Matthew Littleton.
· Remember to check on neighbors and relatives.
· Consider spending the warmest part of the day in public buildings such as libraries, movie theaters, shopping malls, and other community facilities. Circulating air can cool the body by increasing the perspiration rate of evaporation.
· Avoid prolonged exposure to the heat.
· Drink A LOT of water. If you wait until you are thirsty, you may already be experiencing heat related injuries.
· Keep shades/blinds closed to assist air conditioning units and limit heat inside your home.
· Limit intake of alcoholic beverages.
· Dress in loose-fitting, lightweight, and light-colored clothes that cover as much skin as possible; avoid dark colors because they absorb the sun’s rays.
· Never leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles.
· Make sure pets have lots of water and shade.
· If you or someone you know begins to exhibit signs of heat exhaustion or stroke, call 911 immediately!
For additional heat combating “tips”, visit the FEMA website at http://m.fema.gov/during-extreme-heat.
