The men and women of the Cherry Hill Fire Department remind you to protect yourself and your loved ones from the heat! The best ways to remain protected from the ill effects of excessive heat are to dress appropriately, stay indoors, refrain from strenuous work or exercise during the hottest part of the day, and stay hydrated. Keep a close watch on the HEAT INDEX to make sure you are aware of just how hot it is.Heat can kill by pushing the human body beyond its limits. Under normal conditions, the body's internal thermostat produces perspiration that evaporates and cools the body. However, in excessive heat and high humidity, evaporation is slowed and the body must work extra hard to maintain a normal temperature.
The effects of heat can quickly overcome the healthiest people, especially if they perform strenuous work during the warmest parts of the day. Symptoms of dehydration and heat illness may not be easily recognized. Elderly people, the disabled, young children, those who are sick, live alone or are overweight are more likely to become victims of excessive heat. Because men sweat more than women do, they become more quickly dehydrated and are more susceptible to heat illness. Those under a Doctor's care or taking medication should speak with their physician about their particular vulnerability.
Pets, horses, and livestock are also susceptible to difficulties from hot weather. Animals do not perspire and rely on panting, wetting down, shade, cool earth, and drinking water for cooling. Animals cannot explain their needs, so it is up to people to see that their needs are readily met, especially during periods of extreme or prolonged heat.
During this time of excessive heat, the Cherry Hill Fire Department recommends that you assess your daily activities and discuss heat safety precautions with family, neighbors and co-workers. If your home does not have air conditioning, choose a cool place to visit or stay during the hottest part of the day. Schools, libraries, theaters, and other community facilities can often provide an air-conditioned refuge.
Firefighters remind everyone to:
- Learn the risks.
- Prepare members of your household, pets and your workplace.
- Plan to get relief from and avoid the effects of heat.
You should plan in advance to wear lightweight, light-colored clothing, that covers as much of your skin as possible as well as a well-ventilated hat with a wide brim. Light colors will reflect away the sun's rays more than dark colors, which absorb the sun's rays. Stay in the shade as much as possible and remain well hydrated. When at work or on the road...
Never leave children or any infirm person or pet alone in a vehicle for even a brief moment. Temperatures inside a closed vehicle can reach more than 140°F within minutes. Exposure to such high temperatures can quickly kill a person or pet. Even on days that feel pleasantly warm outside, temperatures in a parked vehicle can raise high enough to kill. Leaving a window open will not necessarily abate the danger. If you discover a child or incapacitated person locked inside a car on a hot day, call 9-1-1 immediately!
Firefighters suggest you slow down and avoid strenuous activity. Reduce, eliminate, or reschedule physical activities for a cooler part of the day. High-risk individuals should stay in cool places, and everyone should get plenty of rest to allow the body's natural "cooling system" to work. Hot days also mean sunny days, and regardless of your skin tone, it's a good idea to protect yourself by applying sunblock early and often.
If you must perform strenuous activity, do so during the coolest part of the day, which is usually in the early morning. Many heat emergencies occur to people who are exercising, working or staying alone. We suggest you use a buddy system, and also check regularly on elderly, disabled or at-risk neighbors. Experts also suggest that you eat smaller meals more often, and drink plenty of fluids even before you feel thirsty. Your body needs water to keep cool. Water is the safest liquid to drink during heat emergencies. Avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine. They make the heat's effects on your body worse.
Your Firefighters will be keeping a close eye on local weather trends, including the fire weather. You can help them by remaining cognizant of the health and safety dangers of hot weather, and keeping those in your home, neighborhood and workplace safe until cooler weather prevails.
