Feeling the Heat? Here’s Your Hot Weather Health Safety Guide

by

Chief Sam DiGiovanna

With the west hitting triple digit temperatures and breaking records, here are some tips to avoid heat-related health problems.

• If available, stay in an air-conditioned area during the hottest hours of the day.
• Wear light, loose-fitting clothing.
• Drink plenty of water (avoid alcohol and sugary drinks) and don’t wait until you are thirsty.
• Take cool showers.
• Never leave a child, elderly person, or pet unattended in a car.
• Keep pets cool in hot weather.
• Avoid unnecessary hard work or activities outside during the hottest part of the day.
• Avoid unnecessary sun exposure and wear a wide-brim hat if you need to be in the sun.
• Avoid using the oven to cook.

An extremely high body temperature (103 or higher), dizziness, nausea, confusion, and headache are signs of heatstroke or exhaustion. If someone shows these signs, call 911 and begin cooling the individual Here’s how:

• Moving them to a shaded area.
• Spraying with cool water and fanning them.
• Placing them in a cool shower if they are alert.
• Monitoring the body temperature and continue cooling efforts.
• Do not give the victim fluids to drink.

People age 65 and older, infants and children, and people with chronic medical conditions are more prone to heat stress. People with elderly neighbors should check in on their well-being. This can be done while adhering to social distancing recommendations in person or by phone or video conferencing if available.

Stay cool and be safe.

About Chief Sam DiGiovanna

Sam DiGiovanna is a 33-year fire service veteran. He started with the Los Angeles County Fire Department, served as fire chief at the Monrovia Fire Department and currently serves as chief at the Verdugo Fire Academy in Glendale, Calif.  Sam also serves as Executive Vice President of Fire Operations at CORDICO INC.