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No matter what you plan to do this June – clam digging, fishing, river rafting, boating, or swimming - BE AWARE – the water is still cold and HYPOTHERMIA happens quickly.
As surprising as this may sound, hypothermia is a serious risk this time of year. As temperatures increase people, especially children, turn to outdoor water activities and may not be aware that water temperatures are much colder due to snow pack run-off. Use caution and learn the symptoms of hypothermia and the steps to take if someone exhibits signs of hypothermia.
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What is hypothermia?
Hypothermia is a condition in which a person’s body temperature has dropped significantly below normal. This can occur from extended activity in cold water as the loss of body heat occurs 25 times faster in cold water than in cold air. The very young and elderly are the most susceptible to developing hypothermia when exposed to cold temperatures.
The risk and extent of hypothermia is directly influenced by presence of wet clothing, contact with metals, wind-chill, and extent of temperature gradient between the body and its surroundings. Vulnerability is increased when circulation is impaired by cardiovascular disease, alcohol intake, exhaustion, and/or hunger.
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Symptoms of hypothermia:
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Stumbling when attempting to walk
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Confusion (person cannot think clearly)
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Semi-consciousness or unconsciousness
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What should I do if someone has hypothermia?
- If a person becomes unconscious, get medical help immediately. If cardiac arrest (heart attack) has occurred, have someone call for medical assistance and then apply CPR.
- WARNING: Do not warm the person too fast.
- Bring the person indoors or to a dry place protected from the wind.
- Remove wet clothing and cover the person with dry blankets. Make sure to cover the head, hands, and feet.
- Sit or lie under the covers next to the person to transfer your own body heat. If possible, have someone else on the other side.
- Give the person warm - not hot - broth or soup. Do not give alcohol to drink.
- Place an infant inside your own clothing against your skin.
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Although floods can happen any time during the year, there are typical seasonal patterns for flooding in Washington State. These patterns are based on the variety of natural processes that cause floods:
- Rainfall combined with melting of the low-elevation snow pack typically cause winter and early spring floods.
- Late spring/early summer floods in Eastern Washington result primarily from melting of the snow pack.
- Thunderstorms typically cause flash floods during the summer in Eastern Washington; on rare occasions, thunderstorms embedded in winter-like rainstorms cause flash floods in Western Washington.
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Taking Action:
We have seen the danger and impact of floods across Washington in the past. Mitigation is the first step toward minimizing the damage from a flood or any disaster. Mitigation is defined as the actions taken to eliminate or reduce long term risk to life, property, and the environment from natural and technological hazards (sometimes this may be referred to as prevention).
Mitigation activities related to flooding can include wet and/or dry flood-proofing your home, building flood walls, clearing storm drains, depression gardening, and especially - identifying your need for flood insurance. Learn more about the actions you can take to minimize your risk.
Related information:
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Flood Resources:
Flood related information, including:
- What is urban flooding?
- Why you need flood insurance
- Myths and facts about the National Flood
Insurance Program (NFIP)
- Lookout for landslides
How to information, including:
- Preventing flooding around your home
- Pumping out a flooded basement
- Protecting your home from backflow
- Cleaning up and drying out your home
- The problem with mold
Flood Preparedness Video Series
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Coming in July 2013:
A Safer Summer and Wildland Fire Preparedness |
Regional Public Education Campaigns |
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