With temperatures expected to approach 90 and a Heat Advisory in place for Easton from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. today (Friday, Aug. 27), the Easton Fire Department would like to provide some hot weather safety tips and resources to help residents stay safe and cool.
Residents who may be in need of a cooling shelter can call EFD at 508-230-3311 for assistance.
Heat Safety Tips
- NEVER leave children, adults or pets alone in a closed, parked vehicle.
- KEEP COOL – Spend as much time as you can in cooler surroundings. Use air conditioners to cool the air.
- Drink plenty of fluids, like water, even if you do not feel thirsty, and avoid alcoholic beverages, drinks with caffeine and large amounts of sugar—these actually cause you to lose more body fluid.
- Check on family, friends and neighbors who do not have air conditioning, who spend much of their time alone or who are more likely to be affected by the heat.
- If someone doesn’t have air conditioning, they should seek relief from the heat during the warmest part of the day in places like libraries, theaters, malls, etc.
- Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing. Avoid dark colors because they absorb the sun’s rays. Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and by putting on sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher 30 minutes prior to going out.
- Slow down, stay indoors and avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day, which is typically around 3 p.m.
- Postpone outdoor games and activities if the temperature is too hot.
- Avoid extreme temperature changes.
- Take frequent breaks if working outdoors.
- Check on animals frequently to ensure that they are not suffering from the heat. Make sure they have plenty of cool water.
- Click here to learn to recognize and treat heat illnesses.
Additional Tips for Parents
- Limit playtime at peak sun exposure time and familiarize yourself with the signs of heat illnesses.
- Avoid burns. If playground equipment is hot to the touch, it is too hot for your child’s bare skin.
To learn more about summer safety, visit the National Safety Council’s summer safety website here.