Safety Tips for Emergencies

Being prepared is about knowing how to prevent emergencies, as well as knowing what to do in the event of an emergency. Whether it's inclement weather, a house fire or a threat to homeland security, it's important that you understand the right steps to keep you, your family and your workplace safe.

Summer Safety Tips

Normally, our bodies keep themselves cool. The summer often poses particular challenges. When the body does not cool properly or does not cool enough, a person can suffer a heat-related illness. Anyone can be susceptible although the very young and very old are at greater risk. If unattended, heat-related illnesses can become serious—or even deadly.

Preventing Heat-Related Illness

Drink plenty of water.Carry water or juice with you and drink continuously even if you don't feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which dehydrate the body.
Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing. Light colors reflect heat and sunlight and help you maintain a normal body temperature. Cover as much skin as possible.
Change into dry clothing if your clothes become saturated with sweat.
Use sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) of 15 or more—even on cloudy days.
- Apply a liberal amount of sunscreen at least 30 minutes before going outside
- Reapply sunscreen every two hours, or after swimming or sweating.
Use umbrellas, sunglasses and hats to shield against the sun’s rays.
Eat small meals of carbohydrates, salads and fruit, and eat more often. Avoid foods that are high in protein, because they increase metabolic heat.
Avoid using salt tablets unless directed to do so by a physician.
Slow down. Avoid strenuous activity. If you must engage in strenuous activity, do so during the coolest part of the day, which is usually in the morning between 4:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m.
Stay in the shade when possible, and avoid prolonged sun exposure during the hottest part of the day, between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Use air conditioners or fans in your home.
- Install window air conditioners snugly.
- Check air conditioning ducts for proper insulation.
- Vacuum air conditioner filters weekly during periods of high use to provide more cool air.
Go elsewhere to get relief during the hottest part of the dayif you have no air conditioning.
- Stay indoors as much as possible, on the lowest floor out of the sun.
- Keep heat outside and cool air inside, closing any doors or windows that may allow heat in.
Take regular breaks when engaged in physical activity on warm days. Take time out to find a cool place. If you recognize that you or someone else is showing signs of a heat-related illness, stop activity and find a cool place.
Never leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles. Temperatures inside a closed vehicle can reach 140 degrees Fahrenheit (F) within minutes. Exposure to such high temperatures can kill in minutes.

Know These Terms

Heat wave:Prolonged period of excessive heat and humidity, which is more than 48 hours of excessive heat (90oF or higher) and high humidity (80 percent relative humidity or higher).

Heat index:A number in Fahrenheit (F) degrees that indicates how hot it feels when relative humidity is added to the air temperature. Exposure to full sunshine can increase the heat index by 15 degrees.

Know the Stages of Heat-Related Illness

Heat-related illness usually comes in stages. From least to most severe they are: heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Heat cramps: Muscular pains and spasms due to heavy exertion —an early signal that the body is having trouble with the heat.

Heat exhaustion: Typically occurs when people exercise heavily or work in a hot, humid place. These conditions cause the body to sweat heavily, and lose body fluids. Blood flow decreases to vital organs which results in mild shock. If not treated, the victim may suffer heat stroke.

Heat stroke: A life-threatening condition. It results when the body’s temperature control system, which produces sweating to cool the body, stops working. Body temperature can rise so high that brain damage and death may result.

Sunstroke: Another term for heat stroke.

Dos and Don'ts If a Heat Wave Is Predicted or in Progress

Do:

Slow down.
Avoid strenuous activity. If that’s not possible, try to do it during the coolest part of the day—usually between 4:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m.
Stay indoors as much as possible. If air conditioning is not available, stay on the lowest level, out of the sunshine. Try to go to a public building with air conditioning each day for several hours.
Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing, which reflect away some of the sun's energy.
Drink plenty of water regularly and often, even if you don't feel thirsty. Your body needs water to keep cool. Water is the safest liquid to drink during heat emergencies.
Eat small meals and eat more often.

Don't

Drink anything with alcohol or caffeine because they dehydrate the body.
Eat foods that are high in protein, which increase metabolic heat.
Use salt tablets unless directed to do so by a physician

Heat Emergency Symptoms

Heat exhaustion:	Cool, moist, pale, or flushed skin Heavy sweating Headache Nausea or vomiting Dizziness Exhaustion Body temperature will be near normal
Heat stroke:	Hot, red skin — if the person was sweating from heavy work or exercise, skin may be wet; otherwise, it will feel dry Changes in consciousness Rapid, weak pulse Rapid, shallow breathing Body temperature can be very high — as high as 105 degrees F

Heat Emergency Treatment

Heat Cramps	Move to a cooler place Rest in a comfortable position Lightly stretch the affected muscle Replenish fluids immediately; drink a half glass of cool water every 15 minutes Don’t drink alcohol or caffeine, which can make conditions worse
Heat Exhaustion	Move to a cooler place Remove or loosen tight clothing Apply cool, wet cloths, such as towels or sheets. If conscious, have the person drink a half glass of cool water slowly, every 15 minutes. Do not give liquids that contain alcohol or caffeine. Let the victim rest in a comfortable position, and watch carefully for changes in his or her condition
Heat Stroke	Heat stroke is a life-threatening situation. Help is needed fast. Call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number. Move the person to a cooler place. Quickly cool the body. Immerse victim in a cool bath, or wrap wet sheets around the body and fan it. Watch for signals of breathing problems. Keep the person lying down and continue to cool the body any way you can. If the victim refuses water, is vomiting, or there are changes in the level of consciousness, do not give anything to eat or drink to the victim.