Don't Strike Out - Stay Safe in the Heat

by Bridgette Joye, volunteer contributor

Summer in Dallas/Fort Worth is well underway and temperatures are on the rise! With the warmer, longer days, there’s an increase in outdoor activities; including the Rangers/Yankees series starting tonight in Arlington.

Here are a few tips to stay safe in the heat at Globe Life Park or any other time you’re outdoors this summer: 

• Stay hydrated! Try to drink plenty of fluids throughout the day and grab a bottle of water at the ballpark.

• Make sure whatever team attire you’re wearing out there is loose-fitting and light-colored.

• Don’t forget to wear sunscreen when spending any time outdoors; especially at a baseball game where you could be sitting outside for over two hours. 

• While everyone knows about protecting their skin from the summer heat, remember that the sun’s intensity is also dangerous for your eyes. Keep them covered with sunglasses or a Rangers baseball cap!

• Try to park your car in the shade as much as possible. Also, never leave your pets or children in a parked car, unattended – even if it is in the shade. The temperature in the vehicle will be even hotter than it is outside.

Stay safe out there this summer, & GO RANGERS! 

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The Heat is On! Heat Safety Tips for a Hot Texas Summer

by Lauren McMinn Clarke, volunteer contributor

The heat is on! Summer is upon us, and in North Texas that means sweltering temperatures for months to come. Here’s what you need to know to stay safe this summer.

• Know how to avoid heat illness.
• The heat index is the temperature the body feels when the effects of heat and humidity are combined. Exposure to direct sunlight can increase the heat index by as much as 15°F. 
• If you do not have air conditioning, choose places you could go to for relief from the heat during the warmest part of the day (schools, libraries, theaters, malls). 
• Know those in your neighborhood who are elderly, young, sick or overweight. They are more likely to become victims of excessive heat and may need help. 
• Be aware that people living in urban areas may be at greater risk from the effects of a prolonged heat wave than are people living in rural areas. 
• Ensure that your animals’ needs for water and shade are met. 
• Never leave children or pets alone in enclosed vehicles. 
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol. 
• Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing. Avoid dark colors because they absorb the sun’s rays. 
• Slow down, stay indoors and avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day. 
• Take frequent air-conditioned breaks if you must work outdoors. 

Know how to recognize and treat the three basic levels of heat illness.

1. Heat cramps are muscular pains and spasms that usually occur in the legs or abdomen caused by exposure to high heat and humidity and loss of fluids and electrolytes. Heat cramps are often an early sign that the body is having trouble with the heat.
   
   To treat signs of heat cramps, drink fluids containing sodium and potassium, and rest in an air-conditioned space.


2. Heat exhaustion typically involves the loss of body fluids through heavy sweating during strenuous exercise or physical labor in high heat and humidity. Signs of heat exhaustion include cool, moist, pale or flushed skin; heavy sweating; headache; nausea; dizziness; weakness; and exhaustion.
   
   To treat heat exhaustion, move the person to a cooler place. Remove or loosen tight clothing and apply cool, wet cloths or towels to the skin. Fan the person. If the person is conscious, give small amounts of cool water to drink. Make sure the person drinks slowly. Watch for changes in condition. If the person refuses water, vomits or begins to lose consciousness, call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number.


3. Heat stroke is a life-threatening condition in which a person’s temperature control system stops working and the body is unable to cool itself. Signs of heat stroke include hot, red skin that may be dry or moist; changes in consciousness; vomiting; and high body temperature. Heat stroke is life threatening!
   
   To treat heat stroke, Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number immediately. Move the person to a cooler place. Quickly cool the person’s body by giving care as you would for heat exhaustion. If needed, continue rapid cooling by applying ice or cold packs wrapped in a cloth to the wrists, ankles, groin, neck and armpits. 

Download our heat safety checklist and stay cool this summer.

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Tips for a Safe Texas Summer

Written by Natalie Horn, volunteer contributor

For many Texans, summer conjures up images of backyard barbeques, pool parties and days spent at one of the many beautiful lakes in Texas. However, summer fun also comes with some inherent safety risks. 

Good news is you can prevent illness, injuries and trips to the emergency room this summer by following these simple, yet important safety tips.

1. Stay Hydrated. Drink plenty of cold fluids and water on hot days, especially when exercising. Avoid drinks with sugar and alcohol as they will cause your body to dehydrate more quickly.

2. Always wear sunscreen when spending time outdoors and re-apply every two hours. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration urges consumers to look for a sunscreen with an SPF level of at least 30 and “broad spectrum” protection to fight against all forms of cancer-causing ultraviolet rays.

3. Wear a helmet and safety gear when riding a bike, skateboard, scooter, horse or all-terrain vehicle. Studies have shown that the use of bicycle helmets is effective in preventing head injuries.

4. Never leave a child unattended by water. If a child is missing, check the water first because seconds can make a difference in saving a life. Always use the buddy system while swimming- even at a public pool or lifeguarded beach.

5. Wear a life jacket when boating. According to the U.S. Coast Guard, the majority of drowning fatalities occur because the victim was not wearing a life jacket. Also, never consume alcohol while operating a boat or any motor-vehicle as it can impair your judgment and coordination.

6. Only use charcoal and propane grills when outdoors and make sure to place them far away from the home, deck railings or any overhanging branches. According to the U.S. Fire Department, the majority of home fires involving grills started on a courtyard, terrace, patio or balcony.

7. Lastly, prepare yourself by enrolling in a Red Cross home pool safety, water safety, first aid, or CPR/AED course and learn how to prevent and respond to emergencies.

Make this summer one to remember- for all the right reasons. For more information on how to stay safe this summer or to enroll in a safety course, visit http://www.redcross.org./

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Tips to Keep Athletes Safe in Extreme Heat

Recommendations for Teams Practicing for Fall Sports

Record-setting temperatures and extreme drought are still plaguing most of the southern region of the United States, a hazardous situation for people living there. The hot weather is especially dangerous for athletes practicing for their various fall sports.

The American Red Cross has steps residents of the affected states can take to help ensure their well-being during the ongoing heat wave, with special advice for team officials to follow to help ensure the safety of their players.

“Keeping athletes safe during extreme temperatures is as important as getting them ready for the upcoming season,” said Dr. David Markenson, chair of the American Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council. “One of the most important thing athletes can do is stay hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids like water or sports drinks with electrolytes before, during and after practice – even if you are not thirsty. Avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol,” Markenson added.

During the hot weather, team practices should be scheduled for early in the day and later in the evening to avoid exposing players to the hottest times of the day. Other steps teams, schools and parents should take to protect their athletes include:

• Allow athletes to get acclimated to the heat by reducing the intensity of practice until they are more accustomed to it.
• Make frequent, longer breaks a regular part of practice. About every 20 minutes stop for fluids and try to keep the athletes in the shade if possible.
• Reduce the amount of heavy equipment—like football pads—athletes wear in extremely hot, humid weather.
• Dress athletes, when appropriate, in net-type jerseys or light-weight, light-colored, cotton T-shirts and shorts.
• Know the signs of heat-related emergencies and monitor athletes closely.

“Knowing the signs of heat-related emergencies and how to help someone who is suffering from the heat is vital,” Markenson stressed. “Coaches and parents need to be vigilant in watching for signs of heat-related emergencies. Athletes should inform their coaches, teachers or parents if they are not feeling well.”

The hot, dry weather is expected to continue for at least the next week in areas of the south. Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas have been particularly hard hit by the heat wave. Red Cross chapters have opened cooling centers in some areas and supported first responders as they answer numerous calls for grass blazes and home fires.

The Red Cross has steps people should follow to help ensure their safety as the heat continues:

• If someone does not have air conditioning, they should choose places to get relief from the heat during the warmest part of the day, such as schools, libraries, theaters or malls.
• Temperatures inside a vehicle quickly reach dangerous levels. Never leave children or pets alone in enclosed vehicles.
• People should stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids even if they aren’t thirsty. Avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol.
• During the heat, it’s best to eat small meals and eat more often.
• Avoid extreme temperature changes.
• Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing. Avoid dark colors because they absorb the sun’s rays.
• Slow down, stay indoors and avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day.
• Postpone outdoor games and activities.
• Use a buddy system when working in excessive heat.
• If someone must work outdoors, they should take frequent breaks.
• Check on family, friends and neighbors who do not have air conditioning, who spend much of their time alone or who are more likely to be affected by the heat.
• Check on your animals frequently to ensure that they are not suffering from the heat.

Knowing the signs of heat-related emergencies and how to help someone who is suffering from the heat is important.

Heat cramps are muscular pains and spasms that usually occur in the legs or abdomen caused by exposure to high heat and humidity and loss of fluids and electrolytes. Heat cramps are often an early sign that the body is having trouble with the heat. If someone is experiencing heat cramps:

• Get the person to a cooler place and have him or her rest in a comfortable position. Stretching, massaging and icing the affected muscle may help.
• Give a half glass of cool water or a sports drink with electrolytes every 15 minutes. Do not give liquids with alcohol or caffeine in them, as they can make conditions worse.

Heat exhaustion is caused by a combination of exercise induced heat and fluid and electrolyte loss from sweating. Signs of heat exhaustion include cool, moist, pale or flushed skin; heavy sweating; headache; nausea; dizziness; weakness; and exhaustion. To help someone with these symptoms:

• Move the person to a cooler place. Remove or loosen tight clothing. Spray him or her with water or apply cool, wet cloths or towels to the skin. Fan the person. If the person is conscious, give small amounts of cool water cool water or a sports drink with electrolytes to drink. Make sure the person drinks slowly. Watch for changes in his or her condition.
• If the person refuses water, vomits or begins to lose consciousness, call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number.

Heat stroke (also known as sunstroke) is a life-threatening condition in which a person’s temperature control system stops working and the body is unable to cool itself.

Signs of heat stroke include those of heat exhaustion and hot, red skin which may be dry or moist; change or loss of consciousness; seizures; vomiting; and high body temperature.
Heat stroke is life-threatening. Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number immediately.
Move the person to a cooler place. Quickly cool the person’s body by immersing them up to their neck in cold water if possible. If unable to immerse them, continue rapid cooling by applying bags of ice or cold packs wrapped in a cloth to the wrists, ankles, groin, neck and armpits, spraying with water and/or fanning.http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif

Learn how to prevent and respond to heat-related and other emergencies by taking a First Aid/CPR/AED course. Contact your local Red Cross or visit redcross.org/training to register.

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Unrelenting Heat Wave Bakes the States

With extremely hot weather continuing to scorch many parts of the country, taking precautions and knowing how to stay safe in the heat is a priority.

HEAT SAFETY

Extreme heat and accompanying humidity can create a potentially life-threatening situation. It’s important to be able to recognize the signs of heat distress and know how to take action.

Heat cramps
Symptoms: Painful, prolonged muscle cramps, often brought on with strenuous activity.

Treatment: Move the person to a cooler place, have them rest, lightly stretch the affected muscle, and replenish their fluids with half a glass (about 4 ounces) of cool water every 15 minutes.

Heat exhaustion
Symptoms: cool, moist, pale or flushed skin, heavy sweating, headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness.
Treatment: Move the person to a cooler place, remove or loosen tight clothing and spray the person with water. You can also apply cool, wet cloths or towels to the skin. Fan the person. If they are conscious, give small amounts of cool water to drink. Make sure the person drinks slowly. Watch for changes in condition. If the person refuses water, vomits or begins to lose consciousness, call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number.

Heat stroke
Symptoms: Hot, red skin which may be dry or moist; changes in consciousness; vomiting; and high body temperature.

Treatment: This is a life-threatening condition. Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number immediately. Move the person to a cooler place. Quickly cool the person’s body by immersing them up to their neck in cold water if possible. Otherwise, douse or spray the person with cold water, or cover the person with cold, wet towels or bags of ice.

BEACH SAFETY

If you’re planning a trip to the beach for some relief from the sweltering temps, check weather conditions before heading out—and stay away if stormy weather is expected.

When you get to the beach:

Check to see if any safety signs, warning flags or buoys are up. Ask a lifeguard about water conditions, beach conditions or any potential hazards, such as waves, rip currents and marine life.
Have young children and inexperienced swimmers wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved lifejackets.
While at the beach, enter the water feet first if you can’t see the bottom or don’t know how deep the water is.

Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day—even if you don’t feel thirsty. Avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol that dehydrate the body.

What’s a rip current? A rip current is a band of water that rushes away from the beach out beyond the breaking waves. They typically form at low spots or gaps in sandbars, and also near structures such as jetties and piers.

Rip currents don’t pull people under the water—they pull them away from the shore, even the strongest swimmers.

What do I do if I’m caught in a rip current?

1. Stay calm. Don’t panic, and don’t fight the current.
2. Swim parallel to shore until you are out of the rip current.
3. Once you are free, turn and swim toward shore. If you feel that you won’t make it in to the shore, draw attention to yourself by waving and calling for help.

What do I do if I see someone in trouble?

1. Immediately alert a lifeguard. If there isn’t a lifeguard around, have someone call 9-1-1.
2. Throw the person something that floats, like a lifejacket, and tell them to grab it.
3. Tell the person what they should do. (“Don’t panic—relax and swim along the shore until you are out of the current. Then turn and swim to the shore.”)

For more information on water safety and Red Cross swimming programs, visit www.redcross.org/watersafetytips. Contact the American Red Cross-Dallas Area Chapter to find out which aquatic facilities in your area offer Red Cross swimming programs.

Other heat-related posts on our blog:

• Hot Weather Dictates Exra Attention for Pets
• Dog (and cat) Days of Summer!
• Kids and cars feeling the heat
• The heat is on! Are you ready?

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Dog (and cat) Days of Summer!

What a relief to know we have so many ways to beat the heat in already scorching temperatures. We can head to the pool with the family or take in some complimentary air conditioning at the local movie theater or mall. Unfortunately, our four-legged friends have fewer options than we do, so we have to do the work to make sure our pets are prepared as much as we are.

Pets large and small can get dehydrated quickly and heat stroke can be fatal if not attended to right away. Pets need to always have plenty of fresh, clean water available and a shady place to be able to get out of the sun. It’s always best to keep pets indoors in extreme heat and be sure they do not get over exercised.

Remember that while Fido may be a part of the family and you want to take him with you on every trip to the lake or summer cookout, ask yourself if it’s really be the best choice for him. When temperatures are high, it’s not good for dogs to be on asphalt for extended periods. It can cause your dog’s body to heat up more quickly and can burn sensitive paw pads. Really, would you want to walk across a parking lot barefoot in the hot Texas sun? Neither does Fido.

Also remember that it is never safe to leave an animal in a vehicle for any period of time. The temperature inside a vehicle can rise 20 degrees in just 10 minutes and cracking the windows does not help. Animal’s bodies overheat so quickly that if left in a car – even for a quick run into the store – it could be a potentially fatal situation for them. If that isn’t enough, keep in mind that leaving pets unattended in cars in extreme weather is illegal in several states.

If a pet becomes overheated, they need immediate attention as heat stroke can set in and become fatal very quickly. Symptoms of overheating include:

• Excessive panting or difficulty breathing
• Increased heart and respiratory rate
• Drooling
• Mild weakness
• Stupor or even collapse

As the situation becomes more serious, symptoms may also include seizures, bloody diarrhea and vomit along with an elevated body temperature over 104 degrees. Pay especially close attention to animals that are flat-faced. They are unable to pant as effectively to cool down and are more prone to heat stoke. Other animals that are at higher risk such as elderly, overweight, or pets with heart or lung diseases should be kept in air conditioned rooms as much as possible.

And one final tip to get your party animal stylin’ for summer: A lightweight summer haircut for dogs can help prevent overheating. A one inch length is usually a good standard to go by as you never want to take it down to the skin. A shorter length like this will keep them cooler while still leaving them with some protection from the sun. For cats, a few extra brushing sessions will help prevent problems for them that can be caused by extreme heat.

Learn more Hot Weather Tips for your pet from the ASPCA. While you’re there, check out their section on Disaster Preparedness for Your Pet to be sure the whole family is ready for anything!

Be Red Cross Ready with our Pets and Disaster Safety Checklist!

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Kids and cars feeling the heat

This time of year as the sun starts peeking out from behind the clouds and the temperatures start to rise, another trend also goes on the rise. While families should be creating memories of summer, all too often it is interrupted by news stories of children being left in vehicles, usually with very tragic endings. With summer officially right around the corner and the temperatures outside already beginning to soar, you need to plan now to make sure your children stay safe.

When a child is left in a hot car it is almost always an accident resulting from several different scenarios. Summer arrives, schools get out and routines change. Perhaps you took your child to daycare that day when your spouse usually does. Along the way, the child fell asleep and you headed to the office and started your day like you do every other day without a second thought. Perhaps it’s the weekend and your kids are engaged in a playful round of hide and seek. One of the kids climbs into an unlocked vehicle parked in the neighbor’s driveway thinking it’s a good hiding place and end up locked in a trunk without anyone knowing.

It is very easy for little mistakes to be made as everyone switches from school mode to summer mode and it takes just minutes for that “little” mistake to turn into tragedy. It only takes 10 minutes for the temperature inside an enclosed vehicle to rise 20 degrees. Even in temperatures as low as 60 degrees, the interior can raise the temperature inside the car up to 110 degrees.

Rolling down or cracking a window does not make it safe. When the outside temperature is in the mid 80’s, the interior can still reach deadly levels in minutes. Add the fact that children’s body temperatures can rise three to five times faster than an adult means they don’t have a fighting chance.

Remember to always keep all doors and trunks to your vehicle locked even if you are at home. If the car is accessible in an open garage, parked in a driveway or on the curb, it can be an attractive hiding place or fort for playing children without you ever knowing.

Then National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) also recommends the following tips to help you and others ensure your child never gets left behind in a vehicle.

• Teach your children that a vehicle is not a play area.
• Make a habit of looking in the vehicle - front and back - before locking the door and walking away.
• If you are dropping your child off at childcare, and normally it's your spouse who drops them off, have your spouse call you to make sure the drop went according to plan.
• Ask your childcare provider to call you if your child does not show up for childcare.
• Do things to remind yourself that a child is in the vehicle, such as writing yourself a note and putting it where you will see it before you leave the vehicle; placing your purse, briefcase or something else you need in the back seat forcing your to check when you leave the vehicle; or keeping an object in the car seat, such as a stuffed toy. When the child is buckled in, place the object where the driver will notice it when he or she is leaving the vehicle.

You can take the steps to prevent tragedy during these hot Texas summer months. Take the word and pass it along – never leave a child unattended in a vehicle and if you see a child alone in a hot vehicle, call the police. If they are in distress due to heat, get them out as quickly as possible. Cool the child rapidly and call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.

Get prepared with the NHTSA’s “Keeping Kids Safe Inside & Out” with all of their heat safety tips!

Learn about the dangers of heat related injury and illness from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Extreme Heat: A Prevention Guide to Promote Your Personal Health and Safety

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The heat is on! Are you ready?

Right now can be an exciting time of year as school gets out, family summer vacations begin, and everyone flocks to the neighborhood swimming pool for a little relief from the heat. While summer officially starts on June 21, the fun and sun are already here. Lots of sun.

In recent years, excessive heat has caused more deaths than all other weather events, including floods. Heat related injuries such as heat stroke and heat exhaustion can happen quickly and are very dangerous. You and your family need to make sure you know the difference between these potentially life threatening conditions and what advisories to listen for in the weather forecasts so that you can plan ahead for extreme conditions.

A heat wave is typically a prolonged period of excessive heat often combined with excessive humidity. During a heat wave, temperatures are generally 10 degrees or more above the average high temperature for a region, lasting for a long period of time. Here are a few weather advisory terms you want to familiarize yourself with as things heat up.

• Heat Index – The temperature the body feels when the effects of heat and humidity are combined. Exposure to direct sunlight can increase the heat index by as much as 15° F.
• Heat Advisory – Heat Index values are forecast to meet locally defined advisory criteria for 1 to 2 days (daytime highs=100-105° Fahrenheit).
• Excessive Heat Watch – Conditions are favorable for an excessive heat event to meet or exceed local Excessive Heat Warning criteria in the next 24 to 72 hours.
• Excessive Heat Warning—Heat Index values are forecast to meet or exceed locally defined warning criteria for at least 2 days (daytime highs=105-110° Fahrenheit).

When these advisories are issued, it is often recommended to slow down, stay indoors and limit or avoid strenuous outdoor activities. This is especially good advice during the hottest part of the day which typically occurs during the late afternoon and early evening hours. Other ways to protect yourself include:

• Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids even if you do not feel thirsty.
• Avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol which can actually cause you to lose more body fluid.
• Eat small meals and eat more often.
• Avoid extreme temperature changes.
• Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light colored clothing. Avoid dark colors because they absorb the sun’s rays.
• Take frequent breaks if you must work outdoors.

If your job or daily activities require you to be outdoors in extreme heat, it is imperative that you understand and know the warning signs of heat related injury and illness. If you notice any of the symptoms in yourself or someone else, immediate action must be taken.

• Heat cramps are muscular pains and spasms that usually occur in the legs or abdomen caused by exposure to high heat and humidity and loss of fluids and electrolytes. Heat cramps are often an early sign that the body is having trouble with the heat.
• Heat exhaustion typically involves the loss of body fluids through heavy sweating during strenuous exercise or physical labor in high heat and humidity. Signs of heat exhaustion include cool, moist, pale or flushed skin; heavy sweating; headache; nausea; dizziness; weakness; and exhaustion.
• Heat stroke (also known as sunstroke) is a life-threatening condition in which a person’s temperature control system stops working and the body is unable to cool itself. Signs of heat stroke include hot, red skin which may be dry or moist; changes in consciousness; vomiting; and high body temperature. Heat stroke is life-threatening. Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number immediately.

At the first sign of any heat related injury or illness, the first priority is to move to a cooler place, remove or loosen tight clothing and apply cool, wet cloths or towels to the skin. If the person is conscious, give small amounts of cool water to drink and make sure the person drinks slowly. Watch for changes in condition and if the person refuses water, vomits or begins to lose consciousness, call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number.

As in many dangerous situations, the “buddy system” is always a good idea. When working or involved in outdoor activities, have someone with you and watch out for each other. Get to know your neighbors and regularly check in on those that are that are at higher risk when the temperatures climb such as elderly people (65 years and older), infants and children and people with chronic medical conditions.

Lastly, schedules and routines often change as summer kicks off so be sure you add any extra reminders to prevent leaving your child or pet in a hot car. Remember, animals and children should never be left unattended in a vehicle for any period of time.

Get Red Cross Ready now with our Heat Wave Safety Checklist!

Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more information on Extreme Heat: A Prevention Guide to Promote Your Personal Health and Safety

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