Columbus Fire and Rescue Magazine Volume 4 Numer 2 | Page 26

fire and life safety
SUMMER
HEAT
SAFETY

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Whether you're working or playing outside in
the summer, anybody not accustomed to the
heat is at risk for heat related illnesses. Heat
kills by pushing the human body beyond its
limits. In extreme heat and high humidity,
evaporation is slowed and the body must work
extra hard to maintain a normal temperature.
Most heat disorders occur because the victim
has been overexposed to heat or has overexercised for his or her age and physical condition. Older adults, young children and those
who are sick or overweight are more likely to
succumb to extreme heat. Some signs and
symptoms of heat stroke are: Mental confusion or loss of consciousness, flushed face,
hot, dry skin, or has stopped sweating. Know
the signs and take prompt action; get emergency medical attention immediately. Take
these simple steps to protect yourself and
your family:
- Wear appropriate clothing (lightweight, light
colored, loose fitting), including a widebrimmed hat
- Don't wait until you are thirsty, take frequent
water breaks; if you are working in a hot environment drink 1 cup of water every 20 minutes.
- Apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15
- Never leave kids or pets unattended in a
vehicle.
Babies and young kids can sometimes sleep so
peacefully that we forget they are even there.
26 l COLUMBUS FIRE and RESCUE MAGAZINE l

It can also be tempting to leave a baby alone in a
car while we quickly run into the store. The
problem is that leaving a child alone in a car can
lead to serious injury or death from heatstroke.
Young children are particularly at risk, as their
bodies' heat up three to five times faster than an
adult's. These tragedies are completely preventable. Here's how we can all work together to keep
kids safe from heatstroke.
Reduce the number of childhood deaths from
heatstroke by remembering to ACT.
A: Avo