MEDIA CONTACT ONLY: Mark E. Brady, Chief Spokesperson, 240-508-7930
mebrady@co.pg.md.us @PGFDPIO
The Prince
George’s County Fire/Emergency Medical Services Department is concerned about
this weekend’s weather forecast. In
particular high heat and humidity will make conditions dangerous. The National Weather Service has stated, “HEAT
INDICES AROUND 105 DEGREES ARE LIKELY IN THE AFTERNOONS OF SATURDAY THROUGH
MONDAY...ESPECIALLY EAST OF THE BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAINS.”
We are highly
recommending that if you don’t absolutely have to be outdoors to stay indoors
in an air conditioned environment. Check on elderly relatives and neighbors on a regular basis to make sure thy are staying cool. If you find yourself or others where air conditioning is not available consider visiting a cooling center, a shopping mall, a movie theatre or any place of public assembly that has air conditioning.
With
high heat and humidity upon us in Prince George’s County the men and women of
your Fire/EMS Department want you to stay informed and take precautions to stay
safe and healthy. Temperatures nearing or above 100, combined with high
humidity will create a dangerous situation for children, the elderly, and those
who suffer from chronic heart or lung conditions. Dangers also are extended to anyone that are outdoors for extended periods of time and those involved in physical or strenuous activity.
Your
best protection is to stay well hydrated. Sweat, or water, allows heat to
evaporate from your skin’s surface. If you become dehydrated, it is more
difficult for your body to maintain an acceptable temperature. The best thing
to drink is water. Gatorade or other sports drinks are also good. Avoid drinks
containing alcohol or caffeine. Limit heavy exertion when high levels of heat
and humidity are present. High humidity levels make it more difficult for your
body to dissipate heat.
HEAT
RELATED ILLNESSES:
Any
heat related illnesses will require a victim to be removed from the hot
environment to an air-conditioned or cool/shaded area.
Heat exhaustion is a
milder form of heatstroke that may develop due to a combination of several days
with high temperatures and dehydration in an individual. Signs of heat
exhaustion include extreme weakness, muscle cramps, nausea, or headache.
Victims may also vomit or faint. Heat exhaustion is treated with plenty of
liquids and rest in a cool, shaded area. If the persons condition does not
show signs of improvement call 911.
Heat exhaustion is a milder form of
heatstroke that may develop due to a combination of several days with high temperatures
and dehydration in an individual. Signs of heat exhaustion include extreme
weakness, muscle cramps, nausea, or headache. Victims may also vomit or faint.
Heat exhaustion is treated with plenty of liquids and rest in a cool, shaded
area. If the persons condition does not show signs of improvement call
911.
Heatstroke
is a serious illness characterized by a body temperature greater than 105
degrees. Symptoms may include “dry” red skin, convulsions, disorientation,
delirium and coma. Onset of heatstroke can be rapid: a person can go from
feeling apparently well to a seriously ill condition within minutes. Your body
has lost the ability to sweat and naturally “cool-off” – this is a true medical
emergency. Treatment of heatstroke involves the rapid lowering of
body temperature, using a cool bath, bags of ice or wet towels. Place ice bags
in each armpit, groin and back of the neck. A heatstroke victim should be
kept in a cool area; emergency medical care should be obtained by dialing
911.
Stay Informed - Stay Ready - Stay Safe
Monitor weather forecast throughout weekend on TV, radio and Internet.
Stay Ready with your emergency kit - www.ready.gov
Stay Safe and Stay Indoors
At
Work
•
Avoid the heat
•
Reduce activity
•
Drink plenty of water
Outdoors
•
Wear light colored clothing
•
Drink plenty of water
•
Take frequent rest breaks in the air conditioning or shade
At
Home
•
Check on relatives and friends, especially the elderly
•
Increase time spent in an air-conditioned environment
•
Eat smaller meals, more often
•
Take cool baths
•
Make sure pets have access to water and shade
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