Get Ready: Heat Wave in the Forecast

Excessive heat is especially dangerous to the elderly, the young, those with existing medical conditions and those that work outdoors. Fire Chief Scott Goldstein is urging residents to stay cool, stay hydrated and to check on the welfare of elderly or at-risk neighbors as things "heat up" in the metropolitan area. Staying hydrated is essential all year long but is particularly important when temperatures soar. During hot weather and extreme heat, keep informed by listening to local weather and news channels and take a minute to review the tips below.

1. Pre-hydrate, hydrate and re-hydrate.
During hot weather you will need to increase your fluid intake, regardless of your activity level. Drink plenty of fluids in advance, during and after activities and don’t wait until you're thirsty to hydrate.

2.  Dress for the heat.
Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. Light colors will reflect some of the sun’s energy. Limit your direct exposure to the sun and wear a hat for extra protection.

3.  Monitor those at high risk.
Extreme heat can be hazardous to your health and although anyone can suffer from heat-related illness, some people are at greater risk than others. Those most at risk for heat-related illnesses include children, older adults, those that work or exercise outside and those with pre-existing medical conditions. Elderly or disabled residents in Montgomery County in need of a free fan can call 311 for information.

4. Children and cars - use common sense.
Never, ever, leave infants, children, pets or the elderly in a parked car where temperatures can become life-threatening in minutes, even with the windows rolled down. Additionally, hot interior surfaces of a car can burn a child’s skin. Before you put your child in a car that has been parked in a warm/sunny spot, check the temperature of the car seat or upholstery first.

5. Avoid strenuous activity.
Take regular breaks when exercising or engaged in physical activity on warm days. If you recognize that you, or someone else, is showing signs of a heat-related illness, stop the activity immediately, find a cool place to rest, hydrate and seek medical attention if necessary.

6. Be a good neighbor.
Isolated, elderly adults are at a much higher risk of health-related issues. Be a good neighbor and take a minute to check in with your neighbors.

7. Remember your pets.
Hot weather can affect the well-being of pets making them susceptible to overheating which can lead to very dangerous heat stroke. Always provide a source of water and a cool, ventilated place for your pet. Leaving your pet inside a parked car, even for a few minutes, can be fatal. The inside of a car can reach 120 degrees in a matter of minutes.

8. Stay indoors, if possible. 
Stay indoors and, if possible, in an air-conditioned place. If your home does not have air conditioning, consider going to the shopping mall, community center or public library. Even a few hours spent in air conditioning can help your body stay cooler when you return to the heat.

Get Ready: High Heat In The Forecast

Be Careful and Check on Elderly Neighbors.

After a relatively wet and cool last couple of days, it appears that summer is getting ready to heat up this week. Weather forecasters are expecting hot and humid air to move in for the next several days. High temperatures are anticipated to get back into the 90's on Wednesday with a potential heat index around 95. The days to keep a very close eye on are Thursday, Friday and Saturday as highs are projected to be in the mid to upper 90's with a heat index near 105 degrees.

Excessive heat is especially dangerous to the elderly, the young, those with existing medical conditions and those that work outdoors. Fire Chief Scott Goldstein is urging residents to stay cool, stay hydrated and to check on the welfare of elderly or at-risk neighbors as things "heat up" this week in the metropolitan area.

Staying hydrated is essential all year long but is particularly important when temperatures soar. During hot weather and extreme heat, keep informed by listening to local weather and news channels and take a minute to review the tips below.

1. Pre-hydrate, hydrate and re-hydrate.
During hot weather you will need to increase your fluid intake, regardless of your activity level. Drink plenty of fluids in advance, during and after activities and don’t wait until you're thirsty to hydrate.

2.  Dress for the heat.
Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. Light colors will reflect some of the sun’s energy. Limit your direct exposure to the sun and wear a hat for extra protection.

3.  Monitor those at high risk.
Extreme heat can be hazardous to your health and although anyone can suffer from heat-related illness, some people are at greater risk than others. Those most at risk for heat-related illnesses include children, older adults, those that work or exercise outside and those with pre-existing medical conditions. Elderly or disabled residents in Montgomery County in need of a free fan can call 311 for information.

4. Children and cars - use common sense.
Never, ever leave infants, children, pets or the elderly in a parked car where temperatures can become life-threatening in minutes, even with the windows rolled down. Additionally, hot interior surfaces of a car can burn a child’s skin. Before you put your child in a car that has been parked in a warm/sunny spot, check the temperature of the car seat or upholstery first.

5. Avoid strenuous activity.
Take regular breaks when exercising or engaged in physical activity on warm days. If you recognize that you, or someone else, is showing signs of a heat-related illness, stop the activity immediately, find a cool place to rest, hydrate and seek medical attention if necessary.

6. Be a good neighbor.
Isolated, elderly adults are at a much higher risk of health-related issues. Be a good neighbor and take a minute to check in with your neighbors.

7. Remember your pets.
Hot weather can affect the well-being of pets making them susceptible to overheating which can lead to very dangerous heat stroke. Always provide a source of water and a cool, ventilated place for your pet. Leaving your pet inside a parked car, even for a few minutes, can be fatal. The inside of a car can reach 120 degrees in a matter of minutes.

8. Stay indoors, if possible.
Stay indoors and, if possible, in an air-conditioned place. If your home does not have air conditioning, consider going to the shopping mall, community center or public library. Even a few hours spent in air conditioning can help your body stay cooler when you return to the heat.

Fire Chief Lohr Cautions Parents on Dangers of Hot Cars in Summer

A friendly reminder from Chief Lohr on the dangers of hot cars that fits right in with this week's Summer of Safety program theme: Child Passenger Safety.

Heat Exhaustion and Heatstroke

Extreme heat brings with it the possibility of heat-induced illnesses. During the hot, humid summer weather, the body's internal temperature can rise and can result in heat exhaustion and heatstroke. If not treated quickly, heat exhaustion can progress into heatstroke, which requires immediate medical care and can be fatal.

Signs and Symptoms:

Heat Exhaustion

• Severe thirst
• Muscle weakness
• Nausea, sometimes vomiting
• Irritability
• Headache
• Increased sweating
• Cool clammy skin
• Elevation of body temperature to 105 degrees Fahrenheit
• Weak, rapid pulse

Heatstroke

• Severe, throbbing headache
• Weakness, dizziness or confusion
• Difficulty breathing
• Decreased responsiveness or loss of consciousness
• Little or no sweating
• Flush, hot, dry skin
• Elevation of body temperature to 105 degrees Fahrenheit

What to Do:

If the person has a temperature of 105 degrees Farenheit or more or shows signs and symptoms of heatstroke, seek emergency medical care immediately. In cases of heat exhaustion and while waiting for help:

1. Move the person to a cool place indoors or under the shade of a tree.
2. Loosen clothing.
3. Have the person lie down. Elevate feet slightly.
4. If the person is alert, place in cool (not cold) bath water.
5. IF the person is alert, give frequent sips of cool, clear fluids (clear juice or sports drinks are best).
6. If the person is vomiting, turn his or her body to the side to prevent choking.
7. Monitor the person's temperatures.

Think Prevention! Be sensible about how much you exert yourself in hot weather.

• Drink plenty of fluids- do not wait until you are thirsty.
• Avoid exertion in the hottest weather.
• Wear light-colored, loose clothing.

Heat Exhaustion is the result of excessive heat and dehydration. Heatstroke is a medical emergency!

Signs and Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke

Another scorcher today!  Over the last couple of weeks, we at MCFRS have preached to everyone to stay cool and stay hydrated.  Hopefully, everyone will be able to do that.

Just in case, I thought it would be useful to post the signs and symptoms of Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke.  Warning signs can vary among individuals but common signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke may include: 

Heat Exhaustion: 

• Heavy sweating
• Muscle cramps
• Pulse rate: fast and weak
• Breathing: fast and shallow
• Nausea or vomiting
• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Headache and/or dizziness 

Heat Stroke:

• An extremely high body temperature (above 103 degrees)
• The absence of sweating
• Rapid pulse 
• Difficulty breathing 
• Throbbing headache
• Strange behavior and/or hallucinations
• Confusion, agitation and disorientation
• Unconscious                             

If you recognize that you, or someone else, are showing signs of a heat-related illness, stop the activity immediately, find a cool place to rest, hydrate and seek medical attention if necessary.

Remember, Heat Stroke is a MEDICAL EMERGENCY that can be fatal if not treated promptly.  Call 911 right away if you suspect Heat Stroke.

Summer’s First Heat Wave Coming – Be Ready

IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  June 20, 2012

Fire Officials Urge Residents to be Careful and Check on Elderly Neighbors    

Rockville - - - The first day of summer is going to be sizzling in the metropolitan area with sustained, high temperatures predicted through the week making it especially dangerous for the those at greatest risk including the elderly, the young, those with existing medical conditions and those that work outdoors.

While staying hydrated is essential all year long, it is particularly important when temperatures soar. Fire Chief Richard Bowers is urging residents to to stay cool, stay hydrated and to check on the welfare of elderly or at-risk neighbors. “Summer heat waves can be dangerous and even short periods of high temperatures cause serious health problems.Whether on the sports field or the construction site, folks need to take action to prevent heat-related illness.”

During hot weather and extreme heat this summer, keep informed by listening to local weather and news channels, use common sense and take a minute to review the tips below.

1. Pre-hydrate, hydrate and re-hydrate.
During hot weather you will need to increase your fluid intake, regardless of your activity level. Drink plenty of fluids in advance, during and after activities and don’t wait until you're thirsty to hydrate.  Warning: If your doctor generally limits the amount of fluids you drink or has prescribed water pills, ask how much you should drink when the weather is hot.

2.  Dress for the heat.
Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. Light colors will reflect some of the sun’s energy. Limit your direct exposure to the sun and wear a hat for extra protection.

3.  Monitor those at high risk.
Extreme heat can be hazardous to your health and although anyone can suffer from heat-related illness, some people are at greater risk than others. Those most at risk for heat-related illnesses include children, older adults, those that work or exercise outside and those with pre-existing medical conditions. Elderly, low income or individuals with disabilities in Montgomery County in need of a fan can call 240-777-3000 for information on free fans.  

4. Children and cars - use common sense.

Never leave infants, children, pets or the elderly in a parked car where temperatures can become life-threatening in minutes, even with the windows rolled down. Additionally, hot interior surfaces of a car can burn a child’s skin. Before you put your child in a car that has been parked in a warm/sunny spot, check the temperature of the carseat or upholstery first.

5. Avoid strenuous activity.
When possible, strenuous activities should be reduced, eliminated or rescheduled to the coolest part of the day. Take regular breaks when exercising or engaged in physical activity on warm days. If you recognize that you, or someone else, is showing signs of a heat-related illness, stop the activity immediately, find a cool place to rest, hydrate and seek medical attention if necessary.

Remember, heat stroke is a MEDICAL EMERGENCY that can be fatal if not treated promptly. The American Red Cross advises that warning signs can vary among individuals but common signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke may include:  

Heat Exhaustion:

      -  Heavy sweating
      -  Muscle cramps
      -  Pulse rate: fast and weak
      -  Breathing: fast and shallow
      -  Nausea or vomiting
      -  Fatigue
      -  Weakness
      -  Headache and/or dizziness

Heat Stroke:

-  An extremely high body temperature (above 103 degrees)
-  The absence of sweating
-  Rapid pulse
-  Difficulty breathing
-  Throbbing headache
-  Strange behavior and/or hallucinations
-  Confusion, agitation and disorientation
-  Unconscious                             

6. Be a good neighbor.
Isolated, elderly adults are at a much higher risk of health-related issues. Be a good neighbor and take a minute to check in with your neighbors.

7. Remember your pets.
Hot weather can affect the well-being of pets making them susceptible to overheating which can lead to very dangerous heat stroke. Always provide a source of water and a cool, ventilated  place for your pet. Leaving your pet inside a parked car, even for a few minutes, can be fatal. The inside of a car can reach 120 degrees in a matter of minutes.

8. Stay indoors, if possible.  
Stay indoors and, if possible, in an air-conditioned place. If your home does not have air conditioning, consider going to the shopping mall, community center or public library. Even a few hours spent in air conditioning can help your body stay cooler when you return to the heat.