|
|
Fourth of July Offers Welcome Return to Safe Summer Celebrations
As millions of Pennsylvanians prepare to celebrate Independence Day, it is important for residents to take the appropriate safety steps to protect both loved ones and property.
Fireworks aren’t toys and can cause serious injuries and death if used improperly.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission reported that in 2018, there were five nonprofessional fireworks-related deaths, and an estimated 9,100 patients were treated for fireworks injuries in hospital emergency rooms nationwide. Approximately half of the injuries reported were burns, with the head, eyes, face, or ears being the most frequently impacted part of the body. Thirty-six percent of those injuries involved children under the age of 15. Many of these injuries and burns are caused by children using sparklers without adequate supervision.
| |
|
Extreme Heat Safety
Extreme heat is a period of high heat and humidity with temperatures above 90 degrees for at least two to three days. In extreme heat, your body works extra hard to maintain a normal temperature, which can lead to death. In fact, extreme heat is responsible for the highest number of annual deaths among all weather-related hazards.
Remember:
- Extreme heat can occur quickly and without warning.
- Older adults, children, and sick or overweight individuals are at greater risk from extreme heat.
- Humidity increases the feeling of heat as measured by a heat index.
If you are under an extreme heat warning:
- Find air conditioning.
- Avoid strenuous activities.
- Wear light clothing.
- Check on family members and neighbors.
- Drink plenty of fluids.
- Watch for heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke.
- Never leave people or pets in a closed car.
| |
Know Your Heat Terms
Heat Advisory = Take Action! Issued within 12 hours of the onset of extremely dangerous heat conditions. The temperature is expected to be 100 degrees or higher.
Excessive Heat Watch = Be Prepared! Issued when conditions are favorable for excessive heat in the next 24-72 hours. Take steps now to stay safe!
Excessive Heat Warning = Take Action! Issued when the temperature is expected to be 105 degrees or higher for at least two days and nighttime air temperatures will not drop below 75 degrees.
Heat Wave: Prolonged period of excessive heat, often combined with excessive humidity.
Heat Index: A number in degrees Fahrenheit (F) that tells 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.
| |
Recognize and Respond to Heat Exhaustion or Stroke
During extremely hot and humid weather, your body's ability to cool itself is challenged. When the body heats too rapidly to cool itself properly, or when too much fluid or salt is lost through dehydration or sweating, body temperature rises and you or someone you care about may experience a heat-related illness.
It is important to know the symptoms of excessive heat exposure and the appropriate responses.
Heat cramps are muscular pains and spasms due to heavy exertion. Although heat cramps are the least severe, they are often the first signal that the body is having trouble with the heat.
If these symptoms are observed:
- Get the person to a cooler location and remove excess clothing.
- Give cool sports drinks. Do not give liquids with caffeine or alcohol. Discontinue liquids if the victim is nauseated.
- Seek medical attention if: the cramps do not subside in an hour, the victim has heart problems or is on a low-sodium diet.
Heat exhaustion typically occurs when people exercise heavily or work in a hot, humid place where body fluids are lost through heavy sweating. Symptoms include: heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, dizziness, headaches, nausea, fainting. If not treated, the victim's condition will worsen.
If these symptoms are observed:
- Move victim to an air-conditioned place and lie down. Loosen or remove clothing.
- Cool the victim by placing them in a cool shower or bath, or by applying cool, wet cloths.
- Give sips of water or cool sports drinks containing salt and sugar. Do not give liquids with caffeine or alcohol. Discontinue liquids if the victim is nauseated.
- Seek immediate medical attention if there is no improvement, the victim is unable to take fluids, vomiting occurs, or any symptoms are severe.
Heat stroke is a life-threatening condition. The victim's temperature control system, which produces sweating to cool the body, stops working. The body temperature can rise so high that brain damage and death may result if the body is not cooled quickly. Symptoms include an extremely high body temperature above 103°F, hot dry red skin, rapid strong pulse, headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, unconsciousness.
If these symptoms are observed:
- Call 911 or emergency medical services or get the victim to a hospital immediately. Delay can be fatal.
- Until the emergency medical personnel arrive on scene or during transport to the hospital, move the person to a cooler location, cool by removing clothing, bath, sponging, applying a cold we sheet.
- Do not give the victim fluids to drink.
| |
Keeping Pets Safe During PA Summer
Did you know in Pennsylvania, it is illegal to leave an animal in a vehicle?
House Bill 1216, the Motor Vehicle Extreme Heat Protection Act, otherwise known as the “Hot Car Bill,” has been in effect since December 23, 2018.
If you see a dog or cat in a motor vehicle and you believe the animal is in distress, you must contact the local authorities. Provide good information and become a witness!
If you encounter a situation in which you feel an animal inside a car is in danger, the ASPCA recommends:
- First, take down the vehicle's make, model and license plate number.
- Then, go into nearby businesses to ask them to make an announcement to find the vehicle's owner.
- If the owner can't be found, call local authorities.
Don’t leave your pet in the car!
| |
Know the Signs of Heat Stroke in Your Pet
With the summer months comes warm and hot weather. Properly caring for and protecting your pet can provide a happy and healthy summer season for both you and your pet.
Did you know animals can suffer heat exhaustion and heat stroke just like us? Common sense is the best method to protect your pets. If you are hot, then your pet is too. If you are thirsty, then your pet is too.
- Avoid activities that can overheat your pet.
- Avoid too much time in the sun and plan ahead for any activities that involve your pets.
- Know the symptoms of overheating in pets, including excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, mild weakness, stupor, or even collapse.
- Symptoms can also include seizures, bloody diarrhea, and vomit, along with an elevated body temperature of over 104 degrees.
| |
|
|
|
|
