Heat Safety Tips Recommended to Help Residents Cope With Triple-Digit Heat
With triple-digit temperatures expected today and Saturday, Clark County Fire Department and Emergency Management officials are reminding residents that heat can pose serious health risks to anyone in our region, especially children, the elderly and people with poor circulation and weight problems.
The Las Vegas Office of the National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning for today and Saturday. “It is very easy for adults and children to become dehydrated when temperatures are very hot,” said Clark County Fire Chief Bertral Washington. “To enjoy our community and avoid heat-related health problems, drink more water than usual and seek shaded or cool areas during the heat of the day.”
Most heat disorders occur because the victim has been overexposed to heat or has over exercised for his or her age and physical condition. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps and dizziness.
In addition, children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles. Temperatures in a car can rise to 120 degrees when outdoor temperatures are in the 90s. Pets also should have access to lots of shade and water when outdoors. Other reminders include:
- Drink water even if you don’t feel thirsty.
- Limit intake of alcoholic beverages, which contribute to dehydration.
- Always carry plenty of water with you and a mobile phone. You never know what might happen during the day that could keep you outdoors longer than anticipated.
- Dress for summer. Clothing that is loose, lightweight and light-colored reflects heat and sunlight.
- Use sunscreen with a high SPF to protect against sunburn and skin cancer.
- Look in on friends and family, especially the elderly who may need help adjusting to the heat.
- Limit errands and outdoor activities to before noon or in the evening to avoid being out during the hottest part of the day.
- Always assign a designated child watcher when children are near any pool or body of water.
- Close and lock all doors, windows and gates leading to pools when not in use.
- Keep a phone near the pool to ensure children are not left unattended if the phone rings.
- Never swim when thunder or lightening are present. Never dive into unfamiliar or shallow bodies of water. ###
Clark County is a dynamic and innovative organization dedicated to providing top-quality service with integrity, respect and accountability. With jurisdiction over the world-famous Las Vegas Strip and covering an area the size of New Jersey, Clark is the nation’s 14th-largest county and provides extensive regional services to more than 2 million citizens and 42 million visitors a year. Included are the nation’s 8th-busiest airport, air quality compliance, social services and the state’s largest public hospital, University Medical Center. The County also provides municipal services that are traditionally provided by cities to almost 900,000 residents in the unincorporated area. Those include fire protection, roads and other public works, parks and recreation, and planning and development.