This will be a long hot week. Keep these cool suggestions in mind:
- Slow down. Reduce, eliminate or reschedule strenuous activities until the coolest time of the day. Children, seniors and anyone with health problems should stay in the coolest available place, not necessarily indoors.
- Dress for summer. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing to reflect heat and sunlight.
- Drink plenty of water, non-alcoholic and decaffeinated fluids. Your body needs water to keep cool. Drink plenty of fluids even if you don’t feel thirsty. Do not drink alcoholic beverages and limit caffeinated beverages.
- During excessive heat periods, spend more time in air-conditioned places. If you cannot afford an air conditioner, go to a library, store or other location with air conditioning for part of the day.
- Don’t get too much sun. Sunburn reduces your body’s ability to dissipate heat.
- Never leave infants, children or pets in cars!
- Plan for power outages either natural or man-made.
- When sleeping, use lightweight, breathable covers.
- Keep blinds and curtains closed from morning until the late afternoon to block extra direct heat from sunlight.
- Use small appliances like slow cookers and tabletop grills rather than your traditional oven or stove to keep kitchen heat to a minimum.
- Verify that seat belts and car seat restraints are not too hot before buckling yourself or anyone else into a car.
- Be vigilant about water safety if headed to a pool or beach. Never leave a child unattended near water and keep lifesaving gear handy.
Hillside residents:
You should have the hazardous vegetation cleared away by now. Walk your property and pull patio furniture, umbrellas, wood piles or combustible material away from your home. Stay tuned to local news media in case a wildfire develops near you. Be prepared to evacuate if asked during a wildfire. Find out where community evacuation centers are ahead of time or plan on staying with family/friends. Contact your local fire department for additional wildfire safety information.
Let’s face it, we all like to be ‘cool’ so don’t lose your cool, the summer has just begun!
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Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna
