Community Corner

Prepare for Hot Summer, Farmington Hills Emergency Preparedness Commission Says

Take precautions and stay cool, as record high temperatures are predicted.

Record high temperatures have been predicted for this summer. The Farmington Hills/Farmington Emergency Preparedness Commission urges you to prepare your family for the heat.

To help keep cool this summer, here are some tips to stay safe in hot weather:

  • Never leave children, disabled persons or pets in a parked car – even briefly. Temperatures in a car can become life threatening within minutes. On an 80 degree day with sunshine, the temperature inside a car (even with the windows cracked) can rise 20 to 30 degrees above the outside temperature in 10 to 20 minutes. There have been cases where the inside temperature rose 40 degrees! For more information, go to http://www.nws.noaa.gov/os/heat/index.shtml
  • Keep your living space cool. Cover windows to keep the sun from shining in. If you don’t have an air conditioner, open windows to let air circulate. When it’s hotter than 95 degrees, use fans to blow hot air out of the window rather than to blow hot air on your body. Basements or ground floors are often cooler than upper floors.
  • Slow down and limit physical activity. Plan outings or exertion for the early morning or after dark when temperatures are cooler.
  • Drink plenty of water and eat lightly. Don’t wait for thirst, but instead drink plenty of water throughout the day. Avoid alcohol or caffeine and stay away from hot, heavy meals.
  • Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing. Add a hat or umbrella to keep your head cool, and don’t forget sunscreen.
  • Don’t stop taking medications unless your doctor says you should. Take extra care to stay cool and ask your doctor or pharmacist for any special heat advice.
  • Take a shower or bath to cool down. A cool shower or bath will actually work faster than an air conditioner. Applying cold wet rags to the neck, head, and limbs also cools down the body quickly.

People at higher risk of a heat-related illness include:

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  • Older adults
  • Infants and young children
  • People with chronic heart or lung problems
  • People with disabilities
  • Overweight persons
  • People who work outdoors or in hot settings
  • People who use certain medications, especially those taken for mental disorders, movement disorders, allergies, depression, and heart or circulatory problems
  • People who are isolated and don’t know when or how to cool off, or when to call for help

Symptoms of heat-related illness and what to do:

  • Heat cramps - Cramps or muscle spasms in the abdomen, arms or legs.
    Solution - Stop your activity. Cool down, drink clear juice or a sports drink.

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  • Heat Exhaustion - Heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea or fainting.
    Solution - Cool down, seek medical attention.

  • Heat Stroke - Extremely high body temperature, red, hot or dry skin, rapid pulse, throbbing headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion or unconsciousness.
    Solution - Call 911 and cool the victim with a shower or hose until help arrives.


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