How to stay safe during excessive heat warnings

SOUTH BEND, Ind. (WNDU) – Working outside in these hot conditions can be very uncomfortable; It can also be dangerous.

The National Weather Service issued an excessive heat warning for northern Indiana and southern Michigan, with record temperatures possible throughout Michiana.

When it’s hot and humid outside, the likelihood of heat-related illnesses and health complications increases dramatically. This is all the more reason to be aware of the warning signs and pace yourself when working outside.

The NWS suggests drinking plenty of fluids, staying in air conditioning as much as possible out of the sun, and checking on relatives and neighbors.

But what if someone has to work outside or in a building that doesn’t stay completely cool when it’s hot?

“It’s going to be hot,” said Susie Creel, public information officer for the South Bend Fire Department. “We need to hydrate, because in our jobs we sweat 24 hours a day, so plenty of fluids the night before and plenty of fluids while we’re here. I always carry my cup, so I know I need to keep drinking. Making sure we eat Well, not big, heavy food, right? You have to work with yourself, know yourself; if you’re hot, you have to say, hey, I’m hot, I need a break.

OSHA recommends taking frequent breaks indoors or in the shade, wearing loose-fitting clothing when possible, and moisturizing regularly.

They also recommended rescheduling stressful activities for the early morning or evening, such as walking pets, exercising, or working in the yard.

We often hear that we should know the signs of heatstroke, but what are the actual symptoms of heatstroke?

The National Weather Service says symptoms a person may experience during heat illness or heat stroke include throbbing headache, confusion, nausea, dizziness, body temperature above 103 degrees Fahrenheit, hot, red, dry, and clammy skin, rapid, strong pulse, fainting, or loss of consciousness. .

To help cool down and shade from the sun, TriHealth recommends wearing a hat or placing a cold towel on your head and neck area, and if you have access to ice, placing an ice cube on your left wrist will help cool you down.

But what can outdoor workers do to stay as safe as possible during these extreme temperatures?

“So everyone is rotated in and out of the vehicles, so they have constant access to air conditioning, and then plenty of water, so every truck here has water,” said Braydon Downing, construction supervisor for Butler, Ferman and Seufert. . “(Wear) sunscreen; “You will see some men wearing their sun hats to keep their necks out of the sun.”

Whether you’re working or not, the South Bend Fire Department wants to remind people that young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles; Even briefly, it can cause disaster.

SBFD added that extreme weather conditions are an essential time to be a good neighbor.

“Check on your neighbors,” Creel said. “If you have an elderly neighbor, check on them; Make sure they have air conditioning. A lot of them won’t turn it on because they like to be warm; They are cold. Knock on the door and say hello, it’s very hot here today; Let’s run your air conditioner for a while. If I see workers outside, I know I have some workers on my street; I offer them water, have a faucet out front, tell them where the hose is, leave them some cups, and let them hydrate. Be kind; Being nice doesn’t cost anything.”

An extreme heat warning remains in effect until midnight tonight, so stay hydrated, listen to your body, and if you or a loved one is experiencing a heat-related emergency, call 911.

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