Beware of the extreme heat we’ve been experiencing recently. There will be more to come. Last summer, our department responded to several medical emergencies related to excessive heat. Please be very careful doing outdoor activities in the heat of the day. If you must be outdoors while it's hot, staying hydrated is the most important thing you can do to stay safe.  See the following tips from the Red Cross:
 
- Drink plenty of fluids: Don't wait until you're thirsty to drink. Avoid sugary, caffeinated or alcoholic drinks. Avoid icy beverages because they can cause stomach cramps.
 
- Replace salt and minerals: Heavy sweating removes salt and minerals from your body that need to be replaced. A sports drink or a snack can replace the salt and minerals you lose in sweat.
 
- Keep pets hydrated: Provide plenty of fresh water for your pets and leave the water in a shady area.
 
- Warning: If your doctor limits the amount of water you drink or you take water pills, ask how much you should drink while the weather is hot. If you are on a low-salt diet, have diabetes, high blood pressure, or other chronic conditions, talk with your doctor before drinking a sports beverage.
 
Please call 911 immediately if you or anyone else is suffering from a heat related medical issue or any other emergency. Our Safety & Emergency Management team is automatically notified of any medical or fire-related 911 calls. Follow the link below for a more detailed extreme heat safety checklist.

Extreme-Heat-Safety-Checklist