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With summer fast approaching, remember that hot, humid
weather can be a hazard to your health. In fact, hot weather causes more deaths
than any other weather-related hazard. In hot and humid conditions, your body
must work harder—just to maintain a normal temperature. Older adults and those
with illnesses are at greater risk.
The good news is that heat-related illness and death can be
prevented. There are simple steps you can take to keep from falling ill.
1. Stay Cool
Stay in air-conditioned locations as much as possible. If
your home is not air conditioned find places in your community that are air
conditioned. Find out if your community has a cooling center available during
hot months.
Don’t stay in a hot car (and don’t leave pets in a hot car).
If you are outdoors, take breaks from the heat, especially
during the hottest part of the day.
Take cool showers or baths to cool down.
Cover your windows with drapes to keep out the hot sun.
Consider using attic fans to clear hot air from your house.
Note: When the temperature outside is over 95 degrees, don’t
use electric fans to try to stay cool. At this temperature, fans create a false
sense of comfort, and do not reduce body temperature.
2. Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of fluids, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
If you are on a special diet or if you have end-stage renal
disease or advanced congestive heart failure, ask your doctor how to stay
hydrated.
3. Stay Protected
Avoid strenuous or high-energy activities.
Wear loose and lightweight, light-colored clothing.
Wear sunscreen.
When outdoors, stay in the shade and wear a hat with a wide
brim.
4. Watch for
Signs of Heat Stress
On hot days, watch for signs of heat illness in yourself and
others. Heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke are possible on hot days.
Signs of heat-related illness include:
Muscle pains, cramps, or spasms
Heavy sweating, paleness, weakness, dizziness, headache
nausea or vomiting
Confusion, fainting or unconsciousness
High body temperature (over 103 degrees) with dry skin (not
sweating)
Rapid pulse
If you feel sick and suspect it may be heat-related, sip a
sports drink. Get medical help if you still don’t feel better. If you experience very high body temperature,
rapid pulse, or dizziness it can be an emergency. Get medical help immediately.
By following these tips, you can reduce your risk of heat
injury. Have a safe and enjoyable summer!
References: https://www.ready.gov/heat, https://acl.gov/news-and-events/announcements/it-hot-summer-year-tips-stay-safe
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Spring is coming, which means the weather can change at a moment’s notice, no matter where you live. Wind, rain, hail, tornadoes, and other elements can cause extensive damage to your home and property, so it’s always a good idea to be prepared for what Mother Nature throws your way. Below is a Spring checklist to proactively protect your home and property.
Spring Home Safety Checklist
Familiarize yourself with your insurance coverage. Every homeowner should know exactly what their policy covers, or doesn’t cover, so there are no surprises in the event of storm damage. Damage to your swimming pool, for example, may not be covered.
Family Emergency Plan:
Spring is a great time to review that plan with family members. Have a home and car emergency kit. The Federal Emergency Management Agency says an emergency kit should include one gallon of water per day for each person, at least a three-day supply of food, flashlight and batteries, first aid kit, filter mask, plastic sheeting and duct tape, and medicines.
Other safety tips to consider:
Tax-related identity theft occurs when someone uses your stolen personal information, including your Social Security number, to file a tax return claiming a fraudulent refund.
If you suspect you are a victim of identity theft, continue to pay your taxes and file your tax return, even if you must file a paper return.
You may not know you’re a victim of identity theft until you’re notified by the IRS of a possible issue with your return.
Be alert to possible tax-related identity theft if:
CDC Tips to Stay Safe
and Healthy in Winter
Winter storms and cold
temperatures can be dangerous. Stay safe and healthy by planning ahead. Prepare
your home and vehicles. Prepare for power outages and outdoor activity. Check
on older adults.
Although winter comes as
no surprise, many of us may not be ready for its arrival. If you are prepared
for the hazards of winter, you are more likely to stay safe and healthy when
temperatures start to fall.
Prepare Your Home
Staying inside is no
guarantee of safety. Take these steps pdf icon[PDF – 344 KB] to
keep your home safe and warm during the winter months.
·
Winterize your home.
o
Install weather stripping, insulation, and storm
windows.
o
Insulate water lines that run along exterior
walls.
o
Clean out gutters and repair roof leaks.
·
Check your heating
systems.
o
Have your heating system serviced professionally
to make sure that it is clean, working properly, and ventilated to the outside.
o
Inspect and clean fireplaces and chimneys.
o
Have a safe alternate heating source and
alternate fuels available.
·
If you do not have a
working smoke detector, install one. Test batteries monthly and replace them
twice a year.
·
Prevent carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning
emergencies.
o
Install a CO detector to alert you of the
presence of the deadly, odorless, colorless gas. Check or change the battery
when you change your clocks in the fall and spring.
o Learn the symptoms of CO poisoning: headache, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion.
Prepare Your Vehicle
Get your vehicle ready for
cold weather use before winter arrives.
·
Service the radiator and
maintain antifreeze level.
·
Check your tires’ tread
or, if necessary, replace tires with all-weather or snow tires.
·
Keep the gas tank full
to avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines.
·
Use a wintertime formula
in your windshield washer.
·
Prepare a winter
emergency kit to keep in your car in case you become stranded. The kit should
include:
o
Cell phone, portable charger, and extra
batteries;
o
Items to stay warm, such as extra hats, coats,
mittens, blankets, or sleeping bags;
o
Food and water;
o
Booster cables, flares, tire pump, and a bag of
sand or cat litter (for traction);
o
Compass and maps;
o
Flashlight, battery-powered radio, and extra
batteries;
o
First-aid kit; and
o
Plastic bags (for sanitation).
Prepare for Emergencies
Be prepared for
weather-related emergencies, including power outages.
·
Stock food that needs no cooking or
refrigeration and water stored in
clean containers.
·
Ensure that your cell
phone is fully charged.
·
When planning travel, be
aware of current and forecast weather conditions.
·
Keep an up-to-date emergency kit pdf icon[PDF – 6.5 MB],
including:
o
Battery-operated devices, such as a flashlight,
a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio, and
lamps;
o
Extra batteries;
o
First-aid kit and extra medicine;
o
Baby items; and
o
Cat litter or sand for icy walkways.
·
Protect your family from
carbon monoxide (CO).
o
Keep grills, camp stoves, and generators out of
the house, basement and garage.
o
Locate generators at least 20 feet from the
house.
o
Leave your home immediately if the CO detector
sounds, and call 911.
Take Precautions Outdoors
Outdoor activities can
expose you to several safety hazards, but you can take these steps to prepare
for them:
·
Wear appropriate outdoor
clothing: wear a tightly woven, preferably wind-resistant coat or jacket; inner
layers of light, warm clothing; mittens; hats; scarves; and waterproof boots.
·
Sprinkle cat litter or
sand on icy patches.
·
Learn safety precautions
to follow when outdoors.
o
Work slowly when doing outside chores.
o
Take a buddy and an emergency kit when you are
participating in outdoor recreation.
o
Carry a cell phone.
Do This When You Plan to Travel
When planning travel, be
aware of current and forecast weather conditions.
·
Avoid traveling when the
National Weather Service has issued advisories.
·
If you must travel,
inform a friend or relative of your proposed route and expected time of
arrival.
·
Follow these safety
rules if you become stranded in your vehicle.
o
Make your vehicle visible to rescuers. Tie a
brightly colored cloth to the antenna, raise the hood (if it is not snowing),
and turn on the inside overhead lights (when your engine is running).
o
Move anything you need from the trunk into the
passenger area. Stay with your vehicle unless safety is no more than 100 yards
away.
o
Keep your body warm. Wrap your entire body,
including your head, in extra clothing, blankets, or newspapers. Huddle with
other people if you can.
o
Stay awake and stay moving. You will be less
vulnerable to cold-related health problems. As you sit, keep moving your arms
and legs to improve circulation and stay warmer.
o
Run the motor (and heater) for about 10 minutes
per hour, opening one window slightly to let in air. Make sure that snow is not
blocking the exhaust pipe—this will reduce the risk of carbon monoxide (CO)
poisoning.
Be ready to check on
family and neighbors who are especially at risk from cold weather hazards:
young children, older adults, and the chronically ill.
If you have pets, bring
them inside. If you cannot bring them inside, provide adequate, warm shelter
and unfrozen water to drink.
No one can stop the
onset of winter. However, if you follow these suggestions, you will be ready
for it when it comes.
Be sure to visit
CDC’s Winter Weather webpage for
more winter weather safety tips.