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. 

Hear Us, See Us, Clear for Us!

“Please Abide – Pull Aside”

Do you know what to do when approached by an emergency vehicle? The metropolitan area is often crowded and congested with traffic conditions caused by commuters, collisions, work zones and sometimes just “normal” traffic.

Emergency vehicles are impacted by these conditions, as well. When somebody calls 911 for help – the men and women of the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service respond. How can everyday drivers help us to help you? – Normally drivers will HEAR usfirst, next they will SEE us, and then we need drivers to CLEAR for us.

HEAR US - SEE US - CLEAR FOR US 

C – L – E – A – R for emergency vehicles.

C – Calmly pull to and as close to the edge of the roadway as possible and stop.

L – Leave room. Keep intersections clear and never try to follow emergency vehicles.

E – Enter into traffic with caution after the emergency vehicle has passed. Remember to use signals.

A – Aware (be). Be aware of your surroundings. Keep radio volume low and check rear view mirrors frequently.

R – Remain stopped until the emergency vehicle ha passed. Be mindful that there may be additional emergency vehicles approaching.

When approached by an emergency vehicle – the law says to pull over to the closest parallel edge of the roadway and yield the right of way to the emergency vehicle. An emergency vehicle is one with an audible siren and/or siren and emergency flashing lights. When driving and approaching an emergency scene – slow down and move over. In other words - “Give us a brake!”

Reduce the risk of an accident near an emergency scene and around emergency equipment.

Stay alert – expect anything to occur when approaching emergency vehicles.

Pay close attention – watch for police or fire direction.

Turn on your headlights – let on scene workers and other motorists see you.

Don’t tailgate – unexpected stops frequently occur near emergency scenes.

Don’t speed – slow down.

Keep up with the traffic flow – dedicate your full attention to the roadway and those traveling around you.

Minimize distractions – avoid changing radio stations and using mobile cell phones while approaching these areas.

Expect the unexpected – keep an eye out for emergency workers and their equipment.

Be patient – remember, firefighters and EMT’s have been called to the scene and are working to help someone.

In Montgomery County pedestrian and traffic safety issues are front and center. If you travel by car or are a pedestrian, please place extra emphasis on safety. Simply looking both ways before crossing a street, crossing in a crosswalk, spending a few extra seconds to cinch the belt on your child's safety seat, or delaying departure to ensure you get enough rest before a long trip can make all the difference. Preventative safety, while measured in seconds or minutes, can save you from months or years of anguish, grief, and "what if". Be smart. Be safe.

MCFRS Recruiting Section Will Be Attending A Job Fair On Friday, June 15 in Silver Spring

The MCFRS Recruiting Section will be attending a job fair on Friday, June 15 at the Silver Spring Civic Building, located at One Veterans Place in downtown Silver Spring.   The job fair will be held from 3 to 5:30 p.m.  The job fair is part of a celebration to recognize Caribbean American Heritage Month. 

Although MCFRS is not currently accepting applications, the recruiting section will be available to answer questions regarding our hiring process, benefits and work environment. Please stop by and see us.  More information can be found at:  Montgomery County Celebrates Caribbean American Heritage Month 

Water Safety

Lieutenant Pete Hageman appeared on County Report This Week to pass along some water safety tips. There have already been three near drownings in the county in the last couple of weeks! Please take a moment to watch the video to learn more. In addition, please feel free to GO HERE for more tips. As always - Be SAFE!!!

Chief Bowers Presents Unit Citation

Last week, Fire Chief Bowers presented personnel from Fire Station 34-A Shift with a unit citation for operations performed at a complicated crash scene.    

Fire Units were dispatched for a report of a car that veered off the road. A car traveling North on 270 went off the road and came to rest on its side in the drainage ditch between the on and off ramps for RTE 118. Upon arrival of units a single car was found on its side with two seriously injured patients trapped in the car.

The car was stabilized and occupants were removed from the vehicle.  Fire and Rescue personnel then had to perform a difficult slope evacuation to get both occupants back up to the hard top where they were loaded into waiting ambulances and transported to a local hospital.

Great job by all!

Fire Chief Bowers presenting a Unit Citation to FS34-A Shift for operations at a complicated crash scene

Photo by Captain Mike Baltrotsky