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TextHealth and Safety Podcast Transcript: July 27, 2011
Hello, and welcome to the Fairfax County Health and Safety Podcast for July 27, 2011. I’m Jim Person, Fairfax County emergency information officer. Coming up, learn about hyperthermia and how to stay safe in the summer heat, National Night Out and find out who was recently honored as the career firefighter of the year. Links to topics mentioned in this podcast can be found online at www.fairfaxcounty.gov.
Hyperthermia occurs when the body overheats. Conditions have different names, including heat stroke, heat fatigue, heat cramps and heat exhaustion. Here are some heat safety tips:
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Drink two to four glasses of cool fluids each hour. Your body
needs water to keep cool. Drink water even if you don't feel
thirsty.
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Do not drink caffeinated or alcoholic beverages because they
dehydrate the body.
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Never leave children or pets unattended in a car – not even for a few
minutes.
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Keep cool indoors. Resting for just two hours in air conditioning can
significantly reduce heat-related illnesses.
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Electric fans will not prevent heat-related illness. Taking a cool
shower or bath, or moving to an air-conditioned place is a much better
way to cool off.
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Plan outdoor activities around the heat: If you must go outside, go
before noon or at night when it's cooler.
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Eat light meals; avoid high-protein foods because they increase
metabolic heat.
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Wear light-colored clothing, which helps reflect sunlight.
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Wear sunscreen to prevent sunburn.
And don’t forget your pets during the summer heat. Some signs your pet may be developing heat stroke include heavy panting, and being unable to calm down, even when lying down. Their gum color may be brick red, their pulse rate may be fast or they may not be able to get up. If you believe your pet has heat stroke, bring your pet to the veterinarian immediately as heat stroke can lead to severe organ damage.
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Know what is normal for your pet – their gum color, heart/pulse rate,
body temperature and breathing rate – so you can recognize when
something is wrong.
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Never leave a pet in a locked car.
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Make sure your pet has plenty of fresh, cool water.
- And know how to perform pet CPR and basic first-aid until veterinary care is available.
Additional tips can be found online from the American Red
Cross.
National Night Out is coming up Aug. 2. Join your neighbors for this
fun-filled evening to promote neighborhood spirit and police-community
partnership. National Night Out offers an opportunity for residents to
get out, meet their neighbors and local police officials, and shows
potential criminals that crime is NOT tolerated here. Last year, there
were hundreds of neighborhood gatherings across Fairfax County. To find
out more about your neighborhood gathering this year, call your local
crime prevention officer; names and numbers may be found at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/police/nno/.
Finally, congratulations to Lieutenant Marc S. Davidson, Fairfax County’s 2011 Career Firefighter of the Year. A 16-year veteran of the Fire and Rescue Department, Davidson currently serves as an instructor/officer in the Basic Training Unit at the Fire and Rescue Academy teaching recruits the required skills to become a Firefighter/EMT within the organization. The Firefighter of the Year Award is the Fire and Rescue Department's highest award, established in 1985 to provide special recognition for outstanding service and dedication in keeping with the highest traditions of the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department. Davidson is the 26th recipient of Firefighter of the Year.
That’s it for this edition of the Fairfax County Health and Safety Podcast, produced by the Fairfax County, Virginia government. Thanks for listening. Additional information about health and safety topics and emergency preparedness may be found online at www.fairfaxcounty.gov. And remember, if you have a police, fire or medical emergency, call 9-1-1. For non-emergency needs, call 703-691-2131.
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