June 22, 2009 - SFD offers Heat Advisory to Survive Extreme Temperatures

SFD Offers Safety Tips

On Saturday, June 20, 2009, Shreveport Firefighters treated and transported a 73-year old male who apparently suffered a heat related injury while working in his yard at 9:00 a.m. in the morning.

While local meteorologists predict temperatures to reach 100 degrees over the next few days, the Shreveport Fire Department urges all citizens use extreme caution and minimize prolonged exposure to this sweltering summer heat. The extreme temperatures can be exceptionally difficult on the City’s elderly, small children and those with respiratory and other health problems.

The Shreveport Fire Department offers the following safety tips to help citizens remain cool and safe during the hot season:

• Stay inside a cool dry area, if possible.
• Eat a healthy diet.
• If you must work outside, do so shortly after day break and/or just before nightfall.
• Wear a hat or cap, keep the neck covered and wear loose fitting clothing. Wearing a hat is

important because it prevents heat load by acting as a barrier from the heat source. Cooling the head and neck may be an effective means of reducing core body temperature.

• If working in extreme temperatures, do so in increments and pace yourself.
• Drink plenty of water. Drink before you’re thirsty and drink often.
• Replace electrolytes with sports drink such as Gatorade or Powerade. Avoid using table salt or salt
tablets.