heatwave july 2013

7/28/2019 Heatwave July 2013

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NEWS ADVISORYMontgomery County Fire and Rescue Service

Steven E. Lohr, Fire Chief

Public Safety Headquarters, 100 Edison Park Drive, Gaithersburg, MD 20878

Assistant Chief Scott Graham, Executive Officer

Phone: 240.876.1260 Media line: 240.777.2442 @MCFirePIO

IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 19, 2013

Sizzling Temperatures and Extended Heat Wave in the ForecastFire Officials Urge People to be Careful and Check on Elderly Neighbors

Montgomery County, MD- - - The National Weather Service has issued excessive heat warnings for

much of the Country and the current heat wave is especially dangerous to the elderly, the young, those

with existing medical conditions and those that work outdoors. Fire Chief Steve Lohr is urging

residents to to stay cool, stay hydrated and to check on the welfare of elderly or at-risk neighbors as the

forecast calls for record heat and sustained high temperatures in the metropolitan area.

Staying hydrated is essential all year long but is particularly important when temperatures soar. During

hot weather and extreme heat, keep informed by listening to local weather and news channels and take

a minute to review the tips below.

1.Pre-hydrate, hydrate and re-hydrate.

During hot weather you will need to increase your fluid intake, regardless of your activity level. Drinkplenty of fluids in advance, during and after activities and dont wait until you're thirsty to hydrate.

2. Dress for the heat.Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. Light colors will reflect some of the suns energy.Limit your

direct exposure to the sun and wear a hat for extra protection.

3. Monitor those at high risk.Extreme heat can be hazardous to your health and although anyone can suffer from heat-related illness,

some people are at greater risk than others. Those most at risk for heat-related illnesses include

children, older adults, those that work or exercise outside and those with pre-existing medical

conditions. Elderly or disabled residents in Montgomery County in need of a free fan can call 311 for

information.

4. Children and cars - use common sense.Never, ever leave infants, children, pets or the elderly in a parked car where temperatures can become

life-threatening in minutes, even with the windows rolled down. Additionally, hot interior surfaces of a

car can burn a childs skin. Before you put your child in a car that has been parked in a warm/sunny

spot, check the temperature of the carseat or upholstery first.

5.Avoid strenuous activity.

Take regular breaks when exercising or engaged in physical activity on warm days. If you recognizethat you, or someone else, is showing signs of a heat-related illness, stop the activity immediately, find


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a cool place to rest, hydrate and seek medical attention if necessary.

Remember, heat stroke is a MEDICAL EMERGENCY that can be fatal if not treated promptly. The

American Red Cross advises that warning signs can vary among individuals but common signs of heat

exhaustion or heat stroke may include:

Heat Exhaustion:

- Heavy sweating

- Muscle cramps

- Pulse rate: fast and weak

- Breathing: fast and shallow

- Nausea or vomiting

- Fatigue

- Weakness

- Headache and/or dizziness

Heat Stroke:

- An extremely high body temperature (above 103 degrees)- The absence of sweating- Rapid pulse- Difficulty breathing- Throbbing headache- Strange behavior and/or hallucinations- Confusion, agitation and disorientation

- Unconscious

6. Be a good neighbor.Isolated, elderly adults are at a much higher risk of health-related issues. Be a good neighbor and take a

minute to check in with your neighbors.

7. Remember your pets.Hot weather can affect the well-being of pets making them susceptible to overheating which can lead to

very dangerous heat stroke. Always provide a source of water and a cool, ventilated place for your pet.

Leaving your pet inside a parked car, even for a few minutes, can be fatal. The inside of a car can reach

120 degrees in a matter of minutes.

8. Stay indoors, if possible.Stay indoors and, if possible, in an air-conditioned place. If your home does not have air conditioning,

consider going to the shopping mall, community center or public library. Even a few hours spent in air

conditioning can help your body stay cooler when you return to the heat.


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9.Cooling CentersMontgomery County is not operating cooling centers at this point in time (7/19/2013). However,

County facilities, including libraries, swimming pools, recreation and senior centers, as well as regional

services centers will be open and may provide respite from the heat. Recreation centers will waive

normal sign-in procedures and access card requirements when operating as a cooling center. If a

decision is made that a cooling center is needed, information will be posted on the Montgomery

County home page, under New Releases, and provided to all media by the County Executives Public

Information Office to disseminate.

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heatwave july 2013

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