With temperatures on the rise this week and everyone looking for ways to beat the heat, the Queen Creek Fire and Medical Department (QCFMD) reminds everyone to be safe around water and help prevent drownings.
We all know that cooling off in a pool may be one way to beat the heat. Always make sure to know and practice the ABCDs of water safety: Adult supervision, Barriers between children and water, Classes in CPR for adults and swim lessons for children, and Devices near water including rescue rings, hooks and life jackets.
QCFMD offers the following tips:
- Look in the pool first. Every second counts when an individual is drowning and precious time is often wasted looking elsewhere. Always look for missing individuals, especially children in the pool or spa first.
- Drowning is silent. Many people believe they will hear someone drowning because the individual will be screaming or splashing. However, drowning is silent with the individual unable to make noise.
If you find someone in any source of water:
- Yell for help and pull the person out of the water.
- Call 9-1-1 immediately!
- Begin CPR if you are trained.
- If you are not trained to administer CPR, follow the instructions from the 911 operator until help arrives.
As we inch closer to hitting triple digits for the first time this year, remember extremely hot weather can cause sickness, even death. The good news is, heat-related illnesses are preventable.
From wearing lightweight clothing to staying indoors and planning all outdoor activities during the coolest parts of the day, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention provides tips for preventing heat-related illness:
- Drink plenty of fluids – don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink water.
- Avoid liquids that cause you to lose more body fluids (alcohol and sugary drinks).
- If you must be outdoors, rest often in a shady area.
- Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and plenty of sunscreen.
- Children and pets should never be left alone in a vehicle, especially during the summer months.
Don't forget any four-legged members of the family as temperatures heat up. The Humane Society provides the following tips for keeping pets safe in the heat:
- Limit exercise and do not exercise in the heat of the day.
- Never let them walk on hot asphalt, especially blacktop asphalt.
- Provide ample shade and water.
- Watch them closely, dog’s temperatures should not exceed 104 degrees.
- Cool pets from the inside and out.
- Watch for signs of heatstroke.
For more water safety tips go to queencreekaz.gov/watersafety.
