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July 2008
Summer Safety

InFocus Gray Logo       Hot Weather Precautions          InFocus Gray Logo


Heat Stroke

Health

Exposure to excessive heat can cause illness, injury and death. Approximately 400 people die each year from heat exposure, though a heat wave in Europe in 2003 resulted in the deaths of over 25,000 people. The elderly, the very young, and people with chronic health problems are most at risk.

Characture of the earth, sweating
 

Children in Vehicles

Never leave children in a car when it is warm outside. Cars heat up quickly. Parents running quick errands may think their cars will remain cool, but even on mild days temperatures inside vehicles can rise to dangerous levels in minutes. Child in car with seatbeltA young child's core body temperature can increase three to five times faster than that of an adult, causing permanent injury or death. 

The temperature inside a vehicle can reach 100F in 25 minutes when the outside temperature is only 73F!

  
A dog panting - hot weather

Pets

Heat stroke remains your pets biggest summertime threat. As a precaution, never lock your pets in the car in the midday sun, and never let them out in the  hottest period of the day. Many pets suffer in the summer, but if you take note of sensible safety tips, you and your pet will be properly prepared for a great summer!

 
 

Hot Weather Resources:

  

 

InFocus Gray Logo      West Nile Virus         InFocus Gray Logo

 

Mosquito graphic

Mosquito bites are a nuisance, but West Nile Virus (WNV) infection is much more than that. West Nile Virus can lead to serious illness and is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. The elderly and those with weakened immune systems are most at risk of developing health problems related to the disease. (2)

Signs and Symptoms of West Nile Virus

Mild Infection: - Skin rash
- Headache
- Fever
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Backache
- Muscle aches
- Lack of appetite
- Swollen lymph glands
Serious Infection: - High fever
- Severe headache
- Disorientation or confusion
- Stupor or coma
- Tremors or muscle jerking
- Lack of coordination
- Convulsions
- Partial paralysis or sudden weakness
- Pain
 
 

Preventing West Nile Virus

Prevention is the key to minimizing the risk of exposure to WNV. Everyone should take action to minimize the risk:

  • Reduce mosquito larvae habitat around the home by dumping standing water.
  • Change water in birdbaths, fountains, wading pools, animal troughs, and other sources once or twice a week.
  • Stay indoors when mosquitoes are most active (dusk to dawn).
  • Make sure the screens on doors and windows are working properly.
  • Cover exposed skin with light colored clothing when outside in the evening.
  • Use an effective repellent on exposed skin and always follow the directions on the label. (3)
 Graphic of Spraying a Mosquito
 

West Nile Virus Resources:

  

 

InFocus Gray Logo      Rip Currents        InFocus Gray Logo

 

Rip Current graphic

Rip currents are strong narrow channels of water flowing away from shore at surf beaches. These currents often are characterized by a difference in water color and can have a line of foam, seaweed or debris moving seaward. (4)

When going to the beach, be aware of the local conditions and pay attention to posted warnings and signs.

If caught in a rip current:

- Stay clam.
- Don't fight the current.
- If you can't escape, float or tread water.
- If you need help, call or wave for help.


Remember:  If in doubt - don't go out!  

 

No Swimming graphic
 

Rip Current Information:

  

   

Sources:

(1). Center for Disease Control
(2). Mayo Clinic
(3). Washington Department of Health
(4). NOAA National Weather Service

 

Additional Preparedness Information:

 

InFocus Logo            Additional In-Focus Resources        

 

Spring and Early Summer Hazards

  • Hypothermia in the Spring
    • Signs and symptoms
    • Steps to help someone
  • Spring floods

 

 

Winter Preparedness

  • Carbon monoxide poisoning and safety information
  • Using a generator during a power outage
  • Emergency food supply
  • Preventing hypothermia
  • Flu and Pandemic flu
  • Prevent the spread of germs
  • FloodSafe
  • Dealing with mold

Washington Disaster Preparedness Month

  • Earthquake preparedness materials
  • Drop, Cover, Hold Drill for home, school, and business
  • Prepare your 72-hour comfort kit

National Disaster Preparedness Month

  • NOAA Weather Radio Awareness
  • 9-1-1 Day
  • Storm Preparedness Day
  • Earthquake drills for home, school, and business
  • Tsunami communications testing
  • Shoes under the bed preparedness activity

Volcano Month

  • Preparedness for volcano hazards
  • How to Shelter-in-Place
  • Cleaning up after a volcano
  • Volcano materials for kids
  

 

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