[Students] FSNotify] EXTREME HEAT CAUTION

[Cathy Haynsworth]

DID YOU KNOW...

Heat is the number one weather-related killer in the United States,
resulting in hundreds of fatalities each year. In fact, on average,
excessive heat claims more lives each year than floods, lightning,
tornadoes and hurricanes combined.

 

As of August 1, 2011 the DFW area is at 31 consecutive days of 100+
degree temperatures (this ranks second). The month of July also ranks
second for the DFW area with 30 days at or above 100 degrees. And the
extreme heat is expected to be here for a while longer.  

 

IT IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT THAT WE TAKE EXTRA PRECAUTIONS AT THIS TIME. 

*         Drink more fluids (nonalcoholic), regardless of your activity
level. Don't wait until you're thirsty to drink. Warning: If your doctor
generally limits the amount of fluid you drink or has you on water
pills, ask him how much you should drink while the weather is hot.

*         Don't drink liquids that contain alcohol or large amounts of
sugar-these actually cause you to lose more body fluid. Also, avoid very
cold drinks, because they can cause stomach cramps.

*         Stay indoors and, if at all possible, stay in an
air-conditioned place. If your home does not have air conditioning, go
to the shopping mall or public library-even a few hours spent in air
conditioning can help your body stay cooler when you go back into the
heat. Call your local health department to see if there are any
heat-relief shelters in your area.

*         Electric fans may provide comfort, but when the temperature is
in the high 90s, 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.

*         Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.

*         NEVER leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle.

*         Although any one at any time can suffer from heat-related
illness, some people are at greater risk than others. Check regularly
on:

o   Infants and young children

o   People aged 65 or older

o   People who have a mental illness

o   Those who are physically ill, especially with heart disease or high
blood pressure

*          Visit adults at risk at least twice a day and closely watch
them for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Infants and young
children, of course, need much more frequent watching.

 

IF YOU MUST BE OUT IN THE HEAT:

*         Limit your outdoor activity to morning and evening hours.

*         Cut down on exercise. If you must exercise, drink two to four
glasses of cool, nonalcoholic fluids each hour.  A sports beverage can
replace the salt and minerals you lose in sweat. Warning: If you are on
a low-salt diet, talk with your doctor before drinking a sports
beverage. Remember the warning in the first "tip" (above), too.

*         Try to rest often in shady areas.

*         Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat
(also keeps you cooler) and sunglasses and by putting on sunscreen of
SPF 15 or higher (the most effective products say "broad spectrum" or
"UVA/UVB protection" on their labels).

 

SUPERVISORS AND MANAGERS:

*         Check on your employees that work outside often.

*         If possible, schedule outdoor work early or late.

*         Allow for extra breaks during extreme heat.

*         Keep a constant supply of water available.

*         In person, verbally check on outdoor employees to ensure
health and safety.

*         Know the signs and symptoms of heat related illness.

 

EMPLOYEES, FACULTY, AND STAFF:

*         Be aware of your co-workers, students, and visitors. Notify
someone immediately you suspect anyone is suffering a heat related
injury.

*         Know the signs and symptoms of heat related illness.

*         Notify your supervisor or manager if you need water while
working outside.

*         Contact the Department of Risk Management and Safety at
903-468-8781 if you need information or have questions regarding extreme
heat safety.

 

The Department of Risk Management and Safety will help with whatever you
need to keep you and your employees safe. We have water, drink mix, and
sunscreen available if needed. Please contact us if we can do anything!
Check out our website
<http://web.tamu-commerce.edu/facultyStaffServices/riskManagementSafety/
emergencyManagement.aspx>  for useful information also. 

 

Thank You!



Derek Preas

Safety Manager

Department of Risk Management and Safety

Texas A&M University-Commerce

903-468-8781

Derek_Preas at tamu-commerce.edu

 

IT'S HOT OUTSIDE! 

Check Out the Risk Management and Safety
<http://web.tamu-commerce.edu/facultyStaffServices/riskManagementSafety/
emergencyManagement.aspxC:/Users/preasderek/Documents/Downloads>
Website for Prevention Material



 

"Remember happiness doesn't depend on who you are or what you have; it
depends solely upon what you think."  - Dale Carnegie

 

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