BRENHAM FIRE MARSHALL ISSUES SAFETY PRECAUTIONS DURING EXTREME HEAT

Ed Pothul July 6, 2020

931

The Brenham Fire Marshall has issued an advisory for local residents, regarding the extreme heat that hits the area each summer.

According to Fire Marshall Roger Williams, extreme heat is a period of high heat and humidity with temperatures above 90 degrees for at least two to three days.

Williams cautions that in extreme heat a body works extra hard to maintain a normal temperature, which can lead to health problems and even death. Extreme heat is responsible for the highest number of annual deaths among all weather-related hazards.

The advisory cautions:

Extreme heat can occur quickly and without warning.
Older adults, children and sick or overweight individuals are at greater risk from extreme heat.
Humidity increases the feeling of heat as measured by a heat index.

The Advisory goes on to say, if you are under an Extreme Heat Warning:

Find air conditioning.
Avoid strenuous activities.
Wear light clothing.
Check on family members and neighbors.
Drink plenty of fluids.
Watch for heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Never leave people or pets in a closed car.

HOW TO STAY SAFE WHEN EXTREME HEAT THREATENS

Prepare NOW

Find places in your community where you can go to get cool.
Keep your home cool: o Cover windows with drapes or shades.
- Weather-strip doors and windows.
- Use window reflectors, such as aluminum foil-covered cardboard, to reflect heat back outside.
- Add insulation to keep the heat out.
- Use attic fans to clear hot air.
- Install window air conditioners and insulate around them.
Learn to recognize the signs of heat-related illness.

Be Safe DURING

Never leave a child, adult, or animal alone inside a vehicle on a warm day.
Find places with air conditioning. Libraries, shopping malls and community centers can provide a cool place to take a break from the heat.
If you are outside, find shade. Wear a hat wide enough to protect your face.
Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. If you or someone you care for is on a special diet, ask a doctor how best to accommodate it.
Do not use electric fans when the temperature outside is more than 95 degrees, as it could increase the risk of heat-related illness. Fans create air flow and a false sense of comfort, but do not reduce body temperature.
Avoid high-energy activities.
Check yourself, family members and neighbors for signs of heat-related illness.

Recognize and Respond

Know the signs of heat-related illness and how to respond to it.

HEAT CRAMPS

Signs: Muscle pains or spasms in the stomach, arms, or legs
Actions: Go to a cooler location. Remove excess clothing. Take sips of cool sports drinks with salt and sugar. Get medical help if cramps last more than an hour.

HEAT EXHAUSTION

Signs: Heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, dizziness, headache, fainting, nausea, vomiting
Actions: Go to an air-conditioned place and lie down. Loosen or remove clothing. Take a cool bath. Take sips of cool sports drinks with salt and sugar. Get medical help if symptoms get worse or last more than an hour.

HEAT STROKE