Celebrate summer safely: Fourth of July safety tips and more

Posted on July 3, 2025 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

By Ryan Lang, American Red Cross

The Fourth of July weekend is upon us and the Red Cross is reminding residents of Northern Ohio and beyond to play it safe, especially when it comes to fireworks. Generally, we advise to leave the fancy fireworks displays to the professionals – it’s the best way to ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable time celebrating Independence Day.

If you are planning a home fireworks display, here are a few tips:

Never give fireworks to small children, and never throw or point a firework toward people, animals, vehicles, structures or flammable materials.
Always follow the instructions on the packaging.
Keep a supply of water close by.
Make sure the person lighting fireworks always wears eye protection.
Light only one firework at a time and never attempt to relight “a dud.”
Store fireworks in a cool, dry place away from children and pets.
Never use fireworks around pets, keep pets indoors. Exposure to lit fireworks can potentially result in severe burns or trauma, and many pets are also fearful of loud noises and can become lost, scared or disoriented.

In addition to fireworks safety, water safety is a top priority during the holiday and throughout the summer. Between trips the pool, the beach, the lake, etc., water safety is important for the entire family, especially when kids are involved. Here are a few water safety tips for you and your family:

Everyone should learn to swim. Classes are available for both children and adults.
Prevent unsupervised access to water. Always designate a “water watcher” to keep a close, constant eye on everyone in and around the water until the next water watcher takes over.
Avoid distractions when supervising children. If a child is missing, check the water first. Drowning behavior is typically fast and silent. Unless rescued, a drowning person will last only 20 to 60 seconds before submerging.
Reach or throw, don’t go! In the event of an emergency, reach or throw an object out to the person in trouble and tell them to grab on. Don’t go in! You could become a victim yourself. Without putting yourself in danger, rescue and remove the person from the water. Have someone call 911 if needed.
Download the Red Cross Swim app for safety tips, kid-friendly videos and activities, and take the free Water Safety for Parents and Caregivers online course.

For more summertime safety tips, including ways to beat the heat, visit redcross.org.

Stay safe this summer when temperatures heat up

Posted on June 17, 2025 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

By Tim Poe, American Red Cross volunteer

While Northern Ohio hasn’t seen temperatures over 90 degrees Fahrenheit since last year, summer is here, and it is time to prepare for high temperatures. Extreme heat is happening more often and more intensely — 2024 was the hottest year on record globally — and in more places, like Northern Ohio. As extreme heat is a leading cause of weather-related deaths in the U.S., the American Red Cross urges everyone to take critical actions to stay safe. These include:

Stay hydrated. When temperatures are high, drink a cup of water every hour, even if you aren’t thirsty. Avoid sugary, caffeinated and alcoholic drinks. Remind friends and family members to do the same. Also, babies should be breast- or bottle-fed often. Fewer wet diapers or darker urine can be signs of dehydration.

Stay cool. Spend time in air-conditioned places. If your home is too hot, go to a mall, library or cooling center. You can also take a cool shower or bath. Please make sure to look out for older neighbors and relatives as well as anyone without air conditioning.

Outdoor workers and athletes should take breaks in the shade and frequently drink water: a cup every 20 minutes. They should also use a buddy system to check on one another.

Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothes in bright colors.

Never leave a child or pet alone inside a parked car, and make sure pets have access to fresh water and shade.

Prepare for power outages during heat waves. Be ready to stock an ice-filled cooler with food, water and medicine, so that they don’t spoil. If you need to keep medicine cold or use medical devices that need power, talk to your doctor about a backup plan. Also keep food cold by keeping refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible; eat fresh, perishable foods first; and throw out perishable food that has been warmer than 40 degrees Fahrenheit. More information is available here.

Stay connected. Check on others and ask for help if you need it. Also download the free Red Cross emergency app.

Know the signs of heat illness. While some are at higher risk of heat related illness, such as older adults, children, pregnant women and those with medical conditions, anyone can become ill when their body cannot properly cool down. It is critical to act fast, as some types of heat illness can be deadly.

Heat cramps are signaled by heavy sweating and muscle pain. Stop what you’re doing, rest in a cool place and slowly sip water. Don’t drink if you feel sick, and get medical help if cramps last over an hour or you have heart problems.

Heat exhaustion is signaled by heavy sweating, weakness, cool and clammy skin, muscle cramps, dizziness, fainting, nausea or vomiting. In addition to the above, loosen your clothes and place a cool wet cloth on your body. Get medical help if you don’t feel better, vomit or have heart problems.

Heat stroke is a deadly condition signaled by high body temperature, rapid heartbeat, confusion, headache, dizziness, fainting, nausea or vomiting. Call 911. Move to a cooler place, remove extra clothing and use a wet cloth or a cool bath to cool down. Don’t drink anything.

Learn more tips and download the Red Cross’ Extreme Heat Safety Checklist HERE.

Edited by Glenda Bogar, American Red Cross volunteer

Stay safe and look out for one another in extreme heat

Posted on July 5, 2023 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

By Tim Poe, American Red Cross volunteer

July 30, 2014. City of Myrtle Beach Parks and Recreation, South Carolina. Julieth Martinez, 4, enjoying her swim lesson as part of the Centennial campaign. Photo by Connie Harvey/American Red Cross

I first saw the effects of heat stroke when I was 10. I was at a day camp for the first time. Decades later, I vaguely recall activities, canoes, a lake and even the heat. But I clearly remember seeing the fellow camper stumble, vomit and pass out. Counselors carried him inside and put him on a table, getting water and ice. The rest of us followed, worried, overhearing frantic conversations. Once inside, someone put on a movie to calm us, but I think we all knew he was in trouble and an ambulance was on the way. My memory becomes fuzzy after that. A darkened room, an ignored movie, a child my age prone on a table, teenagers tossing ice and water on him until the EMTs arrived, quickly giving treatment and taking him away. I saw him a few weeks later at another event, recovering.

As much as we enjoy summer and especially being active, heat can be dangerous, even life-threatening. In fact, the last several years have seen excessive heat cause more fatalities than all other weather events. Climate change is also making extreme heat events more frequent and severe, even here in Northern Ohio.

For a medical professional’s perspective on heat safety for our region, I reached out to Patricia Horvath, a registered nurse and American Red Cross volunteer regional nurse lead for Northern Ohio. Patricia explained, “a heat wave is more than 48 hours of high heat (90°F or higher) when high humidity (80 percent relative humidity or higher) is expected.”

Patricia Horvath, Regional Volunteer Nurse Lead

“For us in Northern Ohio, the uptick in heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion are often seen around local family fun runs, sports camps for kids and pre-season athletic training for high school kids during heat waves,” she said. “I’ve also experienced it at outdoor family reunions when seniors rapidly became dehydrated in the sun.

“The saddest and most devasting situation I have seen is the death of a child—left or forgotten—in a hot parked car,” she continued. “After an hour, the average in-car temperature is 43 degrees higher than the outdoor temperature. After 90 minutes, this rises to 48 degrees higher. Therefore, when it’s 90 degrees outside, it could reach an incredible 138 degrees in your parked car. That’s hotter than any outdoor temperature ever recorded on Earth! Parents, grandparents and caregivers need to establish memory hooks as a routine to be sure to check for the little ones in car seats before leaving. It’s easy to get distracted or absentminded these days. Unfortunately, this also occurs often with pets. If you see a child in a parked car alone on a hot day even with windows cracked, say something and get help. Minutes matter.”

Patricia also spoke of the importance of community. “Like most things in a community, it’s those who live there who look out for each other that makes it healthy and safe. With heat waves, communities in Northern Ohio now will open free access to designated ‘cooling centers’ for residents, such as recreational centers, libraries and community centers. Check on your vulnerable elderly neighbors to be sure they have access to air-conditioning. Invite them to your house or give them a ride to a cooling center for the day. I have had air conditioning parties for my neighbors and friends during heat waves. Growing up, this is something my parents used to do when AC in private homes was more of a luxury.”

Patricia’s general advice to stay safe is:

Be aware of the predicted heat and humidity for the day.
Keep hydrated even if you are not thirsty.
Keep cool, stay indoors or in the shade and, minimize exercise/activity.
Check in with kids and the elderly to keep them safe too.
Know the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

More information is available on the Red Cross heat safety page and the free Emergency App.

You can also see recent articles on summer road trip preparation, water safety, and severe weather safety.

Edited by Glenda Bogar, Red Cross volunteer.

Posted by Ryan Lang, Red Cross board member and volunteer.

Stay safe this summer: Readying yourself for a road trip

Posted on May 26, 2023 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

By Doug Bardwell, American Red Cross volunteer

With summer approaching, our family’s favorite activity is taking road trips. We are so blessed to be in Northern Ohio since we can find awesome destinations no matter which direction we head.

However, despite all the choices, the one thing I’ve learned is that you need to be prepared for emergencies. The “it won’t happen to me” syndrome is a risky one, and who needs the guilt of knowing better but not taking precautions?

Getting ready

I’m a nut for lists. For years, I’ve been using spreadsheets (either Excel or Google Sheets). I’ll make a master list, and at the end of each trip, I’ll add whatever items that we should have taken. Then when the next road trip comes up, we won’t forget that item a second time. I’ve been keeping them for years, and my lists cover just about anything we could need. We don’t take every item on every trip by any means but at least we forget very, very little.

One item we always pack, and fortunately have only needed a few times, is a First Aid kit. I’ve actually got multiple ones that vary in size for my bike bag, my backpack and the car. While I’ve been a pretty safe person, there have been numerous times we’ve been able to come to the rescue of others, who weren’t quite so prepared.

Another lesson I learned in an American Red Cross Safe Driving course is to adjust your rearview mirrors out farther than most people do. Basically, while sitting behind the steering wheel, lean as far left as comfortable, and then set your left rearview mirror so you can just barely see the left fender of your car. Then lean right as far as comfortable and set your right mirror the same way. That radically improves your chances of not hitting someone in your blind spot. I know it’s saved me at least four times.

Lastly, get enough sleep before you set out on a long road trip. When I haven’t done that, the instant I feel myself getting drowsy, I’ll find a place to pull over and try to take a quick nap. I set my alarm on my watch for 15 minutes, and that’s a perfect time to be refreshed enough to drive another couple of hours. Any longer than 15 minutes is too long (strange sleep science).

For more information

The American Red Cross just issued a 20 Steps to Help You Stay Safe this Summer article for road trips, swimming, backyard grilling and camping. Item number 18 is definitely one that could save your life. Then enroll in a Red Cross first aid and CPR/AED course, either online or in person.

Edited by Glenda Bogar, Red Cross volunteer

Posted by Ryan Lang, Red Cross Board Member and volunteer

Get the most out of your summer with Red Cross safety tips

Posted on May 31, 2022 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

By Ryan Lang, American Red Cross volunteer

Summer: a time for family gatherings, swimming, grilling, and many more events that have become staples of the season. Whatever your plans are, the American Red Cross Northern Ohio Region has some resources you can use to help you, and even your four-legged friends, have a safe summer.

WATER SAFETY

Every day, an average of 11 people die in the U.S. from unintentional drowning — and one in five of those are children 14 or younger according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The Red Cross wants everyone to know critical safety knowledge and skills that could save your life in and around the water. We encourage families to build confidence in the water by learning to be safe, making good choices, learning to swim and how to handle emergencies.
· Preventing unsupervised access to water, providing constant, active adult supervision and knowing how
to swim are critical layers of protection to help prevent drowning.
· Classes to learn how to swim are available for both children and adults. Check the map for Learn-to-Swim providers in your community. Everyone should learn first aid and CPR too, so they know what to do in an emergency.
· Download the Red Cross Swim app (https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/water-safety/swim-safety.html), sponsored by The ZAC Foundation, for safety tips, kid-friendly videos and activities, and take the free Water Safety for Parents and Caregivers online course in English or in Spanish.
· It’s best to swim in a lifeguarded area. Always designate a “water watcher” whose sole responsibility is to keep a close eye and constant attention on everyone in and around the water until the next water watcher takes over.
· Drowning behavior is typically fast and silent. Unless rescued, a drowning person will last only 20 to 60 seconds before submerging. Reach or throw, don’t go! In the event of an emergency, reach or throw an object to the person in trouble. Don’t go in! You could become a victim yourself.

CAMPING SAFETY

If a camping trip is in your plans, know the level of ability of the people in your group and the environment around you. Plan accordingly.
· Pack a first aid kit to handle insect stings, sprains, cuts and bruises and other injuries that could happen to someone in your group. Take a Red Cross First Aid and CPR course and download the First Aid app so that you will know what to do in case help is delayed. You’ll learn how to treat severe wounds, broken bones, bites and stings and more.
· Sprains and falls are some of the most common misfortunes travelers may face. Falls are the biggest threat, many due to poor decision-making, lack of skill or not being properly prepared. Dehydration is also a danger. Plan ahead for these dangers.
· Share your travel plans and locations with a family member, neighbor or friend.
· Bring nutritious food items and water, light-weight clothing to layer and supplies for any pets.

GRILLING SAFETY

More than three-quarters of U.S. adults have used a grill — yet, grilling sparks more than 10,000 home fires on average each year. To avoid this, the Red Cross offers these grilling safety tips:
· Always supervise a barbecue grill when in use. Don’t add charcoal starter fluid when coals have already been ignited.
· Never grill indoors — not in the house, camper, tent or any enclosed area.
· Make sure everyone, including pets, stays away from the grill.
· Keep the grill out in the open, away from the house, deck, tree branches or anything that could catch fire.
· Use the long-handled tools especially made for cooking on the grill to help keep the chef safe.

PET SAFETY

Summer’s heat can be dangerous for your family pets. Follow these steps to take to help ensure your pet stays safe this summer.
· Don’t leave your pet in a hot vehicle, even for a few minutes. The inside temperature of the car can quickly reach 120 degrees even with the windows cracked open.
· Animals can suffer heat stroke, a common problem for pets in the warmer weather. Dogs with short noses or snouts, like the boxer or bulldog, are especially prone to heat stroke, along with overweight pets, those with extremely thick fur or any pet with upper respiratory problems such as laryngeal paralysis or collapsing trachea.
· Some of the signs of heat stroke in your pet are heavy panting and being unable to calm down, even when lying down, brick red gum color, fast pulse rate and being unable to get up.
· If you suspect your pet has heat stroke, take their temperature rectally. If the temperature is above 105 degrees, cool the animal down. The easiest way to do this is by using the water hose. Stop cooling the animal when the temperature reaches 103 degrees.
· Bring your pet to the veterinarian as soon as possible as heat stroke can lead to severe organ dysfunction and damage. Download the Red Cross Pet First Aid app for instant access on how to treat heat stroke, other emergencies and general care for cats and dogs and take the Cat and Dog First Aid Online Training course.

FIREWORKS SAFETY

· Never give fireworks to small children, and never throw or point a firework toward people, animals, vehicles, structures or flammable materials. Always follow the instructions on the packaging.

· Keep a supply of water close by as a precaution.

· Make sure the person lighting fireworks always wears eye protection.

· Light only one firework at a time and never attempt to relight a “dud.”

· Store fireworks in a cool, dry place away from children and pets.

It is important to note that fireworks laws have changed in Ohio. As of July 1st this year, Ohio residents can discharge consumer grade fireworks in the state on private property. Click here (https://com.ohio.gov/divisions-and-programs/state-fire-marshal/fireworks/guides-and-resources/fire-service+-faqs-for-ohios-new-fireworks-law#:~:text=Beginning%20July%201%2C%202022%2C%20Ohio,to%20discharge%20consumer%20grade%20fireworks) to see the full list of changes to fireworks laws in the state.

Sizzling hot tips to stay safe this summer

Posted on July 1, 2020 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

By Jason Copsey, American Red Cross volunteer

July 1, 2020- It will be an Independence Day like no other this year, as the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted normal routines in countless ways for Northern Ohioans. However, one thing that should not change – no matter how you will be celebrating this Fourth of July – is a close consideration for safety. And, the American Red Cross of Northern Ohio is here to help you enjoy the holiday as safely as possible.

By now, most are very familiar with the guidelines established by public health officials regarding precautions in public settings. Keeping at least six feet between you and others, wearing a facemask, washing or sanitizing your hands frequently, limiting time spent in social settings and being sure to stay home if you are feeling sick have all become part of how we reduce risk for ourselves and others.

Centennial Campaign 2015

As communities reopen, it is important not to take loosening restrictions as a signal to return to normal. If your local pool or beach is open, maintain social distancing both in and out of the water. Also, be sure not to share goggles, nose clips, snorkels or other personal items.

The same safety priorities around the water are as critical as ever. Before heading to
the pool or beach, be sure to download the Red Cross Swim App and take our new free Water Safety for Parents and Caregivers online course.

GRILLING SAFETY

close photography of grilled meat on griddle

Photo by Skitterphoto on Pexels.com

In northern Ohio, summer grilling season is never cancelled. And, with people doing their best to limit exposure to public places and maintain social distancing, it’s certainly a popular time for grilling family meals at home.

Remember, grilling is an activity that calls for strict adherence to safety. In fact, grilling fires spark more than 10,000 home fires on average each year. Be sure to always supervise a barbecue grill when in use, and never add charcoal starter fluid when coals have already been ignited. Keep the grill away from the house or anything that could catch fire.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES The Red Cross has several resources to help protect yourself, your loved ones and your community:

Learn how to save a life with the Red Cross First Aid App and training courses.
Receive customized weather alerts and warnings with our Emergency App.
Enable the Red Cross skills on Amazon Alexa-enabled devices for valuable first aid information, to schedule a blood donation, receive warnings about an approaching hurricane or make a financial donation to the Red Cross.

Safety tips to help you enjoy the end of summer fun this Labor Day Weekend

Posted on August 28, 2019 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

August 28, 2019- Labor Day is considered the unofficial end of the summer in Northeast Ohio, and with that comes a lot of traveling and social gatherings.

Whether you are planning to host family and friends for a cookout, enjoy a day of Centennial Campaign 2015 swimming at Edgewater Park Beach or driving to attend the Cleveland National Air Show, the American Red Cross has offered the following tips on how to safely enjoy the holiday.

Driving safety: When driving, make sure you are well rested and alert, wear your seat belts, follow the speed limit and rules of the road, make frequent stops, and don’t let your gas tank get low.

Pack a first aid kit and emergency preparedness kit in each vehicle.
If you plan on drinking alcohol, designate a driver who won’t drink.
Give your full attention to the road. Avoid distractions such as cell phones.
Use caution in work zones. Don’t follow other vehicles too closely.
If you have car trouble, pull as far as possible off the highway.

Water safety: Be water smart. Make sure to have swimming skills and know how to help others.

Pay close and constant attention to children you are supervising in or near water.
Prevent unsupervised access to water with adequate barriers for pools and spas.
Learn swimming and water survival skills.
Children, inexperienced swimmers and all boaters should wear properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets.
Always swim with a buddy in a life-guarded area.

Barbecue safety: Always supervise a barbecue grill when in use. You can also follow these steps:

Don’t add charcoal starter fluid when coals have already been ignited.
Never grill indoors — not in your house, camper, tent or any enclosed area.
Make sure everyone, including pets, stays away from the grill.
Keep the grill out in the open, away from the house, the deck, tree branches or anything that could catch fire.
Use the long-handled tools especially made for cooking on the grill to keep the chef safe.

Here are a few other suggested steps to take ahead of Labor Day:

Learn First Aid and CPR/AED skills so you’ll have the knowledge and skills to act in an emergency until help arrives. Take a class (redcross.org/takeaclass), download the free Red Cross First Aid app and open the Red Cross First Aid Skill for Amazon Alexa-enabled devices.
Go to redcross.org/watersafety for a variety of water safety resources and courses. Download the free Red Cross Swim app.
Give blood. The number of people donating blood often drops during the summer when people are on vacation and schools are closed. Visit redcrossblood.org, download the Red Cross Blood app, or enable the Red Cross Blood Skill for more information or to schedule your donation.

Edited by Glenda Bogar, American Red Cross volunteer

How to beat the heat

Posted on July 17, 2019 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

Tips for preparing for – and staying safe during – a heat wave

summer-heat

Beaches will no doubt be busy places this weekend, as temperatures in Northeast Ohio are expected to soar into the 90s (don’t forget the sunscreen!)

Here are some tips for preparing for extended periods of excessive heat:

Listen to local weather forecasts and stay aware of upcoming temperature changes.

Be aware of both the temperature and the heat index. The heat index is the temperature the body feels when the effects of heat and humidity are combined.

Discuss heat safety precautions with members of your household. Have a plan for wherever you spend time— home, work and school—and prepare for power outages.

Check the contents of your emergency disaster kit in case a power outage occurs.

Know those in your neighborhood who are elderly, young, sick or overweight. They are more likely to become victims of excessive heat and may need help.

If you do not have air conditioning, choose places you could go to for relief from the heat during the warmest part of the day (schools, libraries, theaters, malls).

Be aware that people living in urban areas may be at greater risk from the effects of a prolonged heat wave than are people living in rural areas.

Get trained in First Aid to learn how to treat heat-related emergencies.
Ensure that your animals’ needs for water and shade are met.

Icon Disaster

During a heat wave, we encourage you and your family to:

Listen to a NOAA Weather Radio for critical updates from the National Weather Service (NWS).

Never leave children or pets alone in enclosed vehicles.

Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol.

Eat small meals and eat more often.

Avoid extreme temperature changes.

Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing. Avoid dark colors because they absorb the sun’s rays.

Slow down, stay indoors and avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day.

Postpone outdoor games and activities.

Use a buddy system when working in excessive heat.

Take frequent breaks if you must work outdoors.

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.

Check on your animals frequently to ensure that they are not suffering from the heat.

More helpful information, including how to treat heat-related illnesses and preparing for power outages can be found here.

And if you find relief from the heat at a beach, whether it be at Atwood Lake, Pymatuning State Park, or along the shores of Lake Erie, be sure to observe the rules of water safety.

And have fun!

Some like it HOT, 3 Ways to Stay Safe in this Week’s Heat

Posted on August 28, 2018 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

summer-heat Some like it HOT.

But with this week’s toasty Northeast Ohio temperatures, it’s important that you keep three key things in mind to beat the heat: stay cool, stay hydrated and stay informed. And don’t forget about your friends and neighbors, check on those most at-risk at least twice a day.

Stay Cool

Stay in air-conditioned buildings as much as possible.
Do not rely on a fan as your primary cooling device.

Stay Hydrated

Your body may sweat more in these temps, which means you will be losing fluids.

Drink more water than usual.
Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink more fluids.
Avoid alcohol or liquids containing high amounts of sugar.

Stay Informed

Download the free Red Cross First Aid app to learn more about how to treat heat related illnesses – like heat cramps or heat stroke.

For more information on at-risk populations, check out the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website: http://www.cdc.gov/extremeheat/

Stay Safe in the Summer Heat

Posted on June 16, 2015 by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio

The long, hot days of summer can bring dangerously high temperatures. Excessive heat has caused more deaths than any other extreme weather in recent years. Do you know how to keep your family safe in a heat wave?

The Red Cross has steps people can follow to stay safe when it’s hot outside.

HOT CARS CAN BE DEADLY Never leave children or pets in your vehicle. The inside temperature of the car can quickly reach 120 degrees. Other heat safety steps include:

Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids. Avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol.
Avoid extreme temperature changes.
Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing. Avoid dark colors because they absorb the sun’s rays.
Slow down, stay indoors and avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day.
Postpone outdoor games and activities.
Use a buddy system when working in excessive heat. Take frequent breaks if working outdoors.
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.
Check on animals frequently to ensure that they are not suffering from the heat. Make sure they have plenty of cool water.
If someone doesn’t have air conditioning, they should choose places to go to for relief from the heat during the warmest part of the day (schools, libraries, theaters, malls).

HEAT EXHAUSTION Excessive heat can lead to sunburn, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. If someone is experiencing heat cramps in the legs or abdomen, get them to a cooler place, have them rest, lightly stretch the affected muscle, and replenish their fluids with a half a glass (about 4 ounces) of cool water every 15 minutes.

If someone is exhibiting signs of heat exhaustion (cool, moist, pale or flushed skin, heavy sweating, headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness exhaustion), move them to a cooler place, remove or loosen tight clothing and spray the person with water or apply cool, wet cloths or towels to the skin. Fan the person. If they are conscious, give small amounts of cool water to drink. Make sure the person drinks slowly. Watch for changes in condition. If the person refuses water, vomits or begins to lose consciousness, call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number.

HEAT STROKE LIFE-THREATENING. Signs include hot, red skin which may be dry or moist; changes in consciousness; vomiting and high body temperature. Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number immediately if someone shows signs of heat stroke. Move the person to a cooler place. Quickly cool the person’s body by immersing them up to their neck in cold water if possible. Otherwise, douse or spray the person with cold water, or cover the person with cold, wet towels or bags of ice.

For more information on what to do when temperatures rise, download the Red Cross Heat Wave Safety Checklist, or the free Red Cross Emergency App. The app also gives users the option to receive alerts for excessive heat watches, warnings and heat advisories. People can learn how to treat heat-related and other emergencies by taking First Aid and CPR/AED training online or in person. Go to redcross.org/takeaclass for more information.

NOHredcross

American Red Cross of Northern Ohio Region

Tag Archives: Summer Safety