RPIN - Other News

American Red Cross Has Cool Water Tips for Warm Weather

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 16:47:00 GMT

SEATTLE, July 26, 2010 – During the warm weather, many people will be heading to the beach, pool or lake. In an effort to save lives, the American Red Cross is strongly urging you to be prepared in, on and around the water.

Following these simple water-related safety tips may help reduce the number of drownings and injuries that may occur throughout the summer.

Remember these simple tips for a great way to cool down in the water:

• Learn to swim and swim well. Contact the American Red Cross for information on learning how to swim.

• Never leave small children unattended near water – not even the bathtub – not even for a moment! Adults should practice “reach supervision,” which means to always be within arm’s length when a child is near water in case of emergency.

• Keep lifesaving gear handy. Always have on hand a lifejacket, rope, pole or other object that can be thrown to a person in trouble. Remember to have a first aid kit, cordless phone and emergency contact information by the pool.

• Know when it’s too dangerous. If you, or someone you are swimming with, appear to be too cold, too far from safety, been exposed to too much sun, or had too much strenuous activity, it is time to head for shore or signal for help. Always wear a life jacket or vest when swimming or boating in lakes and rivers.

• Eliminate temptation. Backyard pools should have self-closing, self-latching gates that remain locked when the pool is not being used. Kiddie pools should be emptied and toys removed immediately after use. Empty water pails and buckets so small children cannot fall in and drown.

• Know what you’re getting into. Check local tides, current and other condition which could be dangerous before entering open bodies of water.

• Alcohol and water does not mix. Never drink alcohol while swimming or boating.

Call your local pool for information about swimming classes. For First Aid and CPR classes in King County, please call (206) 726-3534 or visit www.seattleredcross.org. In Kitsap County please call the West Sound Service Center at (360) 377-3761or log on to www.redcross

Cooling center facilities return to normal operation

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 16:03:00 GMT

King County locations are no longer operating as designated cooling centers and have resumed their normal hours and operations.

King County cooling centers open

Wed, 07 Jul 2010 19:00:00 GMT

Stay safe. Keep cool.

Designated cooling centers have been opened in King County to assist residents during the heat wave.

King County Office of Emergency Management will update the list as communities announce their openings.

Visit:http://www.kingcounty.gov/safety/prepare/news/2010/July/cooling.aspx

Signs and symptoms of heat related illness may vary but can include: heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea or vomiting, and fainting.

Heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke, which can cause death or permanent disability unless treated immediately. Symptoms of heat stroke include an extremely high body temperature (above 103°F); red, hot, and dry skin; rapid, strong pulse; nausea, confusion and unconsciousness.

Public Health - Seattle & King County is urging people to take precautions and monitor themselves and others for signs and symptoms of heat related illness and call for medical aid as necessary.

Be sure to drink plenty of fluids and stay in air-conditioned buildings such as public libraries and community centers, malls and movie theaters. Check on relatives and neighbors, particularly those with health issues. Never leave children or pets unattended in a vehicle, even with the windows rolled down.

More hot weather safety tips are available at www.kingcounty.gov/health/BeatTheHeat

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Prepare for hot weather

Wed, 07 Jul 2010 17:16:00 GMT

A heat wave has been predicted for the next three days. Residents can take simple precautions to keep family and pets cool and safe.

Anyone can be overcome by extreme heat, but some people are at higher risk than others. They include the elderly, the very young, and people with mental illness and chronic diseases. Signs of heat-related illness may vary but can include: heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea or vomiting, and fainting.

Family pets do not expel heat the same way that humans do, and are vulnerable to overheating very quickly, especially when the temperature is above 70 degrees. Leaving animals in a hot car can be grounds for animal cruelty charges. Animals left in a hot car, even for a short time, can suffer from heatstroke or death. Leave pets at home instead of taking them with you on errands in warm weather.

Be sure that you and your family members drink plenty of fluids and stay in air-conditioned buildings such as public libraries and community centers, malls and movie theaters. Check on relatives and neighbors, particularly those with health issues. Never leave children or pets unattended in a vehicle, even with the windows rolled down.

If cities within King County designate cooling centers over the next few days, it will be posted on the Office of Emergency Management website at www.kingcounty.gov/prepare.

More hot weather safety tips are available at www.kingcounty.gov/health/BeatTheHeat

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See http://www.kingcounty.gov/safety/prepare/news/2010/July/7Heat.aspx for a full media release issued by King County on heat safety.

Red Cross Encourages Safety During Excessive Heat

Tue, 06 Jul 2010 16:01:00 GMT

SEATTLE, July 6, 2010 — With temperatures expected to rise this week, the American Red Cross encourages individuals and families to take the necessary precautions. The very young and the elderly are especially vulnerable to the heat, so it is important that families and friends check on them regularly.People with chronic health issues are also at greater risk and need to take special care to stay healthy in the heat.

Prevent Heat-Related Illness

Dress for the heat. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing (light colors reflect away some of the sun's energy) and plenty of sunscreen. Wear a hat or use an umbrella to help shield you from the sun.
Carry water or juice and drink frequently, even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which dehydrate the body. Make sure to check on youth and elderly to make sure they have enough fluids.
Eat small meals and eat more often. Avoid foods that are high in protein, which increases metabolic heat.
Avoid using salt tablets unless directed by a physician.
Avoid strenuous activity. If you must do something physically demanding, try to do it during the coolest part of the day, which is usually between 4:00 and 7:00 a.m. Take regular breaks to cool off.
Stay indoors as much as possible.
Be vigilant about water safety if headed to a pool or beach. Never leave a child unattended near water and keep lifesaving gear handy.
Watch for signs of life-threatening heat stroke. The person's temperature control system, which produces sweating to cool the body, stops working. The body temperature can rise so high that brain damage and death may result if the body is not cooled quickly.
Signals of heat stroke include hot, red, and usually dry skin, changes in consciousness, rapid, weak pulse and rapid, shallow breathing.
If you or someone you know experience symptoms, call 9-1-1 or your local EMS number. Move the person to a cooler place. Quickly cool the body by wrapping wet sheets around the body and fan it. If you have ice packs or cold packs, place them on each of the victim's wrists and ankles, in the armpits and on the neck to cool the large blood vessels. Watch for signals of breathing problems and make sure the airway is clear. Keep the person lying down.

Don’t forget to protect your pets.
Limit exercise to the coolest part of the day, typically early in the morning. Even in the coolest part of the day, watch for signs of trouble. Glassy eyes and frantic panting indicate a dog needs help.
Make sure your pet has constant access to shade and an endless suppl