Here’s how to keep yourself, others safe from excessive Phoenix heat
May 27, 2020, 4:35 AM
(Pexels Photo)
(Pexels Photo)
PHOENIX – With Phoenix-area temperatures expected to reach between 107 to 111 degrees in the coming days, public safety officials are reminding the public how to protect themselves from the extreme heat.
An excessive heat warning will be in effect for Central Arizona from Wednesday through Saturday.
“We have such a dry heat here and people don’t realize even if they’re not outside that they’re losing water,” Glendale Fire Department Public Information Officer Ashley Losch said Tuesday.
“Make sure you’re drinking plenty of water, especially if you’re planning any kind of outdoor activity.”
Go early, go prepared, and stay hydrated! ☀️💦🔥 Wednesday on @KTAR923, hear warm weather tips from @GlendaleFire as we brace for an #ExcessiveHeatWarning in AZ. “Once you’re half way through your water, that means you’re half way through your hike.” pic.twitter.com/CXLLBKzFK9
— Ali Vetnar (@Ali_Vetnar) May 26, 2020
If you plan to spend time outside this week, go early, go prepared and go hydrated.
Hydrating the day before is the best way to prepare your body for the heat. Wear a wide-brimmed hat to cover the face and neck. Long sleeves and loose-fitting clothing will help keep you cool and to protect your skin from the sun.
“If you’re going out for hikes and things like that, remember, once you’re halfway through your water that means you’re halfway through your hike,” Losch said.
Warning signs of heat-related illnesses can include heavy sweating, muscle cramps, weakness, headache and nausea.
Too much time in the Arizona sun can lead to heat exhaustion, heat stroke and death.
One common 911 call during excessive heat warnings is for an altered level of consciousness.
“If you’re out with someone and they’re just not acting right, that can be from the heat,” Losch added. “If they stop sweating, that’s a late sign, but that’s something you want to look for.”
Regularly check on any elderly relatives, loved ones or neighbors who live alone.
With the elderly encouraged to stay isolated because of the coronavirus pandemic, be sure their air conditioning is working properly and that they are safe from the heat.
Never leave children, elderly or pets in a parked car this time of year. It can take as little as 10 minutes for the temperature inside vehicles to rise to deadly levels.
Last year, 53 children died across the United States from being left in hot cars, four in Arizona.
