App users, tap here to watch video report.
JAMESTOWN – With a blast of summer air expected in Jamestown this week, the city’s fire department is anticipating an increase in heat related medical calls.
WNY News Now is hearing from officials about the best ways to stay cool, and what to look out for if someone is getting too hot.
“Anyone who suffers from any type of respiratory illness that’s a chronic condition usually can be exacerbated or made worse by the heat and especially the humidity,” said Deputy Fire Chief Matthew Coon.
With temperatures rising, people like to spend more time outside, usually unaware of the dangers the heat can bring.
“Try to self regulate, certainly try not to overexert. We get a lot of calls for people that’ll be outside trying to do something they normally would do, whether it be mowing their lawn, trimming their bushes, exercising, running, anything along that line. Just be mindful of what the heat is, please stay hydrated, and if you have any troubles whatsoever, do not hesitate to call 9-1-1 and we’ll come and help you out,” Coon said.
Chief Coon shared some signs to watch for, when it comes to heat exhaustion or stroke.
“Profuse sweating, generally folks will get nauseous if they start to get overheated, and they’ll become very pale if they’re suffering from heat exhaustion. It’s kind of the body’s response to that lack of hydration, if you will. They may complain of vision disturbances or they may feel dizzy and lightheaded,” Coon continued, “The real giveaway for heat stroke would be profuse sweating followed by very hot, dry skin, and certainly that red, ruddy appearance that we see when people get overheated.” Coon warns that these are medical emergencies and 9-1-1 should be contacted immediately.
With the temperatures rising, so does electrical usage, and the department also says it’s important to pay attention to what your air conditioner is plugged into.
“A lot of folks will try to plug in additional cooling machinery, whether it be a fan or especially air conditioners. Please make sure if you’re going to do that, that you plug those devices into an outlet that’s protected and it’s not overloaded. Do not use an extension cord to plug those in,” Coon warns.
Leave a Reply