Fire Safety Tips
NEWS AND INFORMATION
FROM THE "Desk of the EMS Coordinator"

Summertime is here and that means hot, humid weather.  In this heat be mindful of the following tips from your Fire Department about the symptoms of heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. Also tips on preventing drowning at beaches and pools.

Heat Cramps  (serious)

·                    Sweating aids in the cooling process to a point.

·                    Cramps in fingers, arms, legs or abdomen.

·                    Feeling of weakness, dizziness or faint.

Heat Exhaustion (severe)

·                    Increased body temperature.

·                    Cool, clammy skin with heavy sweating.

·                    Rapid shallow breathing.

·                    Possible diarrhea, muscle cramps and weakness or fatigue.

·                    Possible headache, anxiety or impaired judgment.

Heat Stroke  (Life Threatening)

·                    No sweat

·                    Hot skin either dry or moist

·                    High temperature

·                    Deep respirations

·                    Rapid pulse

·                    Low blood pressure

·                    Confusion, disorientation or seizures

Tips to keep cool this summer:

·                    Drink lots of water (as much as diet allows)

Dehydration is the # 1 cause of the above illnesses.

·                    Keep outside activities i.e.: yard work or exercise to a minimum. If you have to, do them before 11 a.m. or after 4 p.m.

·                    USE AIR CONDITIONING

·                    If you have no air, open windows, use fans and draw blinds to keep heat out.

·                    Go to the mall or other establishment with air conditioning.

·                    Drink lots of water again ( as much as diet allows)

·                    Light cotton clothing, hats and sunglasses if you’re outside.

·                    Sunscreen for babies or anyone outside for extended periods of time

·                    Don’t leave children or pets alone in a car unattended EVER

·                    And most of all:   Drink lots of Water !!!! ( as much as diet allows)

When you are going to swim or are near water keep these facts and tips in mind:

·                    Drowning is the leading cause of injury for children of the ages of 1 or 2.

·                    Drowning is the second leading cause of accidental death of people ages 5 to 44 and third leading cause of accidental death in America.

Most safety organizations agree that the primary element in preventing pool and beach accidents is constant supervision.

Learn the simple rules of the water :

·                    LEARN TO SWIM.

·                    Use a personal floatation device when on a boat or if you can’t swim.

·                    Don’t mix alcohol and water activities

·                    If you have a pool, have an emergency action plan in case of emergency.

·                    Don’t dive into unknown water. Shallow or submerged hazards may result in spinal injuries, head injuries or getting stuck in muddy lake bottoms.

            It only takes a minute in the lack of supervision for an accident to occur, please keep your kids safe around pools and lakes this summer. Enjoy the summer and most of all be safe!