August 1, 2001

PRESS RELEASE

To: Newsroom

For Immediate Release

Contact: Brian A. Crawford, Public Information Officer

Phone: 673-6652, cell: 455-2609, page: 675-2137

Heat Emergency Advisory

Following today’s heat related death, the fire department is issuing the following heat emergency advisory:

Extreme heat is a SERIOUS HEALTH HAZARD, especially to high risk groups - the young, the elderly and those with chronic health conditions. These groups should be monitored and checked on frequently in times of extreme heat.

You should prepare for surviving this hazard by doing the following:

• Educate yourself by becoming familiar with the general information and specific tips on the dangers of extreme heat - especially the causes and symptoms of such things as heat exhaustion and heat stroke (also sometimes called sunstroke).

• Don't over exert yourself. Plan your activities, your choice of wearing apparel, and your food and water intake to accommodate the threats extreme heat poses.

• Remember that heat related problems tend to creep up on you. By the time you realize there's a problem, it can be serious.

• Drink fluids - particularly water or juice - often, even if you do not feel thirsty, to help your body's thermostat stay cool. Avoid alcoholic beverages (including beer), which dehydrate the body.

• Eat small, frequent meals. Avoid foods that are high in protein, which increase metabolic heat.

Prepare Your Home

• Keep your home cool with shades, draperies, awnings, or shutters to reduce the amount of heat that comes into your home.

• If you have air conditioning

• Install weather stripping and storm windows to keep heat out and cool in.

• Make sure your air conditioning works properly before the summer months.

• If you have no air conditioning

• Open your windows and keep fresh air moving through your home.

• Keep circulating fans on hand to distribute cool air.

• Stay on the lowest floor out of the sunshine.

SFD