Click here to go to a list of all Online Services and Forms


Avian Flu Preparedness The California Dept. of Food and Agriculture, Animal Health Branch
Prevention and Early Intervention are Key to Keeping Cool
07/27/2006

FRESNO, CA (July 27, 2006) – The men and women of the Fresno City Fire Department urge you to protect yourself and your loved ones from the heat!

The best ways to remain protected from the ill effects of excessive heat are to dress appropriately, stay indoors, refrain from strenuous work or exercise during the hottest part of the day, and stay hydrated.

Heat can kill by pushing the human body beyond its limits. Under normal conditions, the body's internal thermostat produces perspiration that evaporates and cools the body. However, in excessive heat and high humidity, evaporation is slowed and the body must work extra hard to maintain a normal temperature.

The effects of heat can quickly overcome the healthiest people, especially if they perform strenuous work during the warmest parts of the day. Symptoms of dehydration and heat illness may not be easily recognized.

Elderly people, the disabled, young children, those who are sick, live alone or are overweight are more likely to become victims of excessive heat.

Pets, horses, and livestock are also susceptible to difficulties from hot weather. Animals do not perspire and rely on panting, wetting down, shade, cool earth, and drinking water for cooling. Animals cannot explain their needs, so it is up to people to see that their needs are readily met, especially during periods of extreme or prolonged heat.

Below is a list of preventitive safety tips:

  • Keep air circulating and use air conditioning when possible. Being in an air-conditioned environment, even if only for a few hours each day will reduce the risk of heat-related illness.
  • Visiting a shopping mall or City of Fresno Cooling Center can mean the difference between reversing or accelerating heat-related illness.
  • Avoid using fans directed on individuals when the ambient temperature exceeds approximately 100 degrees F. Fans can actually increase heat stress at temperatures above 90 degrees with humidity over 35% (the exact temperature varies with the humidity).
  • Actively monitor for early warning signs of dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
  • Keep outdoor activities to a minimum, especially between the hours of 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM.
  • Dress appropriately, use lightweight clothing that easily absorbs perspiration such as cotton or other natural fibers
  • Taking a cool bath to can reduce body temperature. Cool cloths applied to your head or feet, and/or underarm area will cool the body. Placing hands and wrists in cool water can help prevent body temperature from accelerating.
  • Care must be taken, however, for those with circulatory impairments; and chilling must always be avoided as that is the body’s way of increasing its internal temperature.
  • Ensure you’re drinking plenty of extra fluids, including fruit juices.
  • Avoid excessive alcohol consumption.
  • Conditions that can increase the risk for heat-related illness include:
  • Age: the very young (under 4) and the elderly (over 65) are more vulnerable.
  • Obesity: people who are overweight have greater difficulty regulating body temperature.
  • Medical conditions: conditions such as cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, or renal diseases may increase a person’s susceptibility to heat-related illness. Medications for these conditions may cause dehydration.
  • Medications: use of medications that affect the body’s ability to perspire and/or regulate the heat response can greatly decrease the person’s ability to cope in hot weather.

RANDY R. BRUEGMAN
FIRE CHIEF
621-4000

KEN SHOCKLEY
PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER
999-7227 

# # # #