Fire Department Provides Hot Weather Safety Tips

A release from the Stoneham Fire Department:

STONEHAM - With temperatures expected to reach over 90 degrees today, Chief Matthew Grafton and the Stoneham Fire Department would like to provide residents with several important hot weather safety tips.

A heat advisory has been issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) for Eastern Massachusetts from 1-6 p.m. today. Temperatures in Stoneham are expected to get as high as 92 degrees, but may feel hotter due to humidity.

"This is our first extremely hot day of the season, so we urge residents to take caution when outside by keeping hydrated and limiting physical activity," Chief Grafton said. "Be especially cognizant of children and pets in the car. Temperatures inside a vehicle can become deadly in a matter of minutes."

The American Red Cross recommends the following tips in order to stay safe in the heat:

• Never leave children or pets alone in enclosed vehicles.
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids.
• Avoid extreme temperature changes.
• Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing. Avoid dark colors that 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 and take frequent breaks if working outdoors.
• 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. Don’t forget to monitor your pets to ensure they are not suffering from the heat.
• If you do not have air conditioning, you should choose places to go to for relief from the heat during the warmest part of the day (libraries, theaters, malls, etc.).

Those exposed to high heat for a prolonged amount of time can fall victim to heat exhaustion or life-threatening heat stroke.

Heat exhaustion is marked by cramps in the legs or abdomen, heavy sweating, headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness and cool, moist or pale skin. If you suspect someone is suffering from heat exhaustion, move them to a cooler place, lower their body temperature and give them water. If the person refuses water, vomits or begins to lose consciousness, call 911 or the local emergency number.

Heat stroke, which occurs when the body's core temperature is 104 degrees Fahrenheit or above, is life threatening. Signs include hot, red skin, which can be either dry or moist, vomiting and changes in consciousness. If you suspect someone is suffering from heat stroke, call 911 immediately and lower their body temperature.

To lower a person's body temperature, try fanning the individual, spraying cool water on them or putting cool, wet cloths on them. In the case of heat stroke, 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.

In addition, the NWS advises that there is the potential for thunderstorms this evening.Residents should:

• Avoid being outside in open areas if lightning is flashing.
• Do not swim in pools or other bodies of water when thunderstorms are ongoing.
• Stay indoors, if possible.
• If you have an emergency call 911.