By Aiden Greco, American Red Cross of Colorado and Wyoming Public Affairs
At the American Red Cross of Colorado and Wyoming, we want you to always be prepared. With summer quickly approaching, that means the heat is also coming. From June through September, the average temperature in the two states ranges from the mid 80s and up. Extended periods of time in these temperatures can be dangerous if you are not prepared.
Follow these safety steps to help keep you and your family safe in the summer heat.
- Stay hydrated. Be sure to always have water with you when outdoors. Avoid caffeinated and alcoholic beverages.
- Avoid dark and heavy clothing. They absorb the sun’s rays, making you even hotter.
- Check on your pets and animals. Keep them indoors if possible, and make sure they always have cool water to drink.
- Check on your friends, family, and neighbors who don’t have air conditioning, are alone, or are more likely to be affected by the heat.
- Get indoors or under shade if you start overheating.
- Be sure to check with your local county office to locate community cooling centers.
- When working in excessive heat, use a buddy system, and take plenty of breaks to cool down.
- Never leave children or pets in hot cars. Temperatures can quickly reach 120 degrees inside of the car.
- Avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest parts of the day.
- Postpone outdoor activities and events if the temperatures begin to soar.
According to the Centers For Disease Control (CDC), over 600 people in the United States are killed by extreme heat every year. Those with chronic medical conditions, adults aged 65 or over, infants and children, and athletes are more at risk of developing a heart-related illness due to the heat. But the heat affects everybody differently, so just stay safe out there!
Emergency situations that result from extreme heat may require first aid. The American Red Cross First Aid App is an important tool that is available to everyone on their mobile devices, so that you can always have first aid and potentially lifesaving information available to you at your fingertips. Download it here.https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/mobile-apps.html