By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna, Special to the Independent
With temperatures expected to rise drastically today, tomorrow and into the weekend, individuals and families should take the necessary precautions. Even coastal communities will feel the heat.
The very young and the elderly are especially vulnerable to the heat, so it is important that families and friends check on them regularly. People with chronic health issues are also at greater risk and need to take special care to stay healthy in the heat.
*Note, this is an “off-shore/high pressure system that will/can result in high fire danger as temperatures will be high and relative humidity will be low.
Please share the following information-
Prevent Heat-Related Illness:
- Dress for the heat. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing (light colors reflect away some of the sun’s energy) and plenty of sunscreen. Wear a hat or use an umbrella to help shield you from the sun.
- Carry water or juice and drink frequently, even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which dehydrate the body. Make sure to check on youth and elderly to make sure they have enough fluids.
- Eat small meals and eat more often. Avoid foods that are high in protein, which increases metabolic heat.
- Avoid strenuous activity. If you must do something physically demanding, try to do it during the coolest part of the day, which is usually between 4:00 and 7:00 a.m. Take regular breaks to cool off.
- Stay indoors as much as possible.
- Watch for signs of life-threatening heat stroke. The person’s temperature control system, which produces sweating to cool the body, stops working. The body temperature can rise so high that brain damage and death may result if the body is not cooled quickly.
- Signals of heat stroke include hot, red, and usually dry skin, changes in consciousness, rapid, weak pulse and rapid, shallow breathing. If you or someone you know experience symptoms, call 9-1-1 or your local EMS number.
o Move the person to a cooler place.
o Quickly cool the body by wrapping wet sheets around the body and fan it. If you have ice packs or cold packs, place them on each of the victim’s wrists and ankles, in the armpits and on the neck to cool the large blood vessels.
o Watch for signals of breathing problems and make sure the airway is clear.
o Keep the person lying down.
- Be vigilant about water safety if headed to a pool or beach. Never leave a child unattended near water and keep lifesaving gear handy.
- Don’t forget to protect your pets. Make sure your pet has constant access to shade and an endless supply of cool, clean water, and never leave a pet in a car – even for a few minutes.
Aliso Viejo resident Sam DiGiovanna works for Glendale’s Verdugo fire academy.
