The Rhinelander Daily News - Online news and information for the Rhinelander, Wisconsin region

Summer is a wonderful time of year; children and parents look forward to outdoor activities at our wonderful Wisconsin lakes, campsites and festivals. Yet, accidents can happen if families ‘take a vacation from safety.’ The North Central Chapter of the American Red Cross offers these simple tips to keep you prepared for summer emergencies.

Heat Emergencies

We will have days of extreme high temperatures. These are temperatures that hover 10 degrees or more above the average and remain high for a long period of time. Many times these days are accompanied by high humidity making it difficult for our bodies to tolerate.

Simple Action Steps include:

• Slow down and avoid strenuous activity on these days

• Take frequent breaks and drink lots of water

• Postpone outdoor games and activities

• Keep heat outside and cool air inside. If you do not have air conditioning, choose other places where you can go to get some relief from the heat. If you know of friends or family members who do not have air conditioning, check on them often.

• Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing

• Avoid direct sunlight

• Use a buddy system with working in extreme heat and have plenty of water on hand.

• Never leave children or pets alone in a closed vehicle.

First Aid for Extreme Heat

Heat cramps are muscle pains and spasm due to heavy exertion in warm weather. Get the person to a cooler place and have him or her rest in a comfortable position till pain subsides.

Heat exhaustion occurs when people exercise or work in high temperatures and body fluids are lost through heavy sweating. Get the person out of the heat and into a cooler place. Remove or loosen tight clothing and apply cool, wet cloths such as towels to cool the body.

Heat stroke or sunstroke (another term for heat stroke) occurs when a person’s temperature control system stops working. This is a life-threatening situation and help is needed fast. Seek medical assistance immediately by calling 9-1-1.

Summer Storms and Lightning

Lightning always accompanies a thunderstorm. You are in danger from lightning if you can hear thunder. Here are a few simple safety tips to follow in the event of a thunderstorm:

• Always have a ‘safe place’ designated in your home to go to in the event of a severe storm. This is a room or area away from windows.

• Unplug small appliances and televisions. It is also a good idea to know how to turn off your utilities as well.

• Avoid bathtubs, water faucets and sinks because metal pipes can transmit electricity.

• Turn on your weather radio and listen for storm updates

• Have flashlights and extra batteries ready

• Have drinking water available.

• If outdoors, seek a permanent, enclosed structure immediately

• If someone has been struck by lightning, call 9-1-1 immediately. Begin first aid and check for burns in two places. Stay with the injured person.

Summer Travel

Thousands of people will travel to destinations near and far this summer. Before you pack the car and take off, review these simple travel reminders . . .

• Pack an emergency kit in your car

• Let family and friends know your itinerary, i.e. where you will be staying and how they can reach you.

• Know the area before you travel.

• Pay attention to the local forecast.

• If staying in hotels/motels, find out what the disaster safety and evacuation procedures are on that property.

• Have an Emergency Kit ready

Everyone should have an ‘Emergency Kit’ packed and ready to go at all times. Pack essential disaster and first aid items in an easy to carry bag and take it with you! Your bag should include water, a first aid kit, small battery-operated radio with extra batteries, an emergency contact card with names and phone numbers, extra prescription medications, snacks and important documents or information you may need. The Red Cross has a wide variety of first aid kits available and can also share more information on items to complete your kit. Call any local Red Cross office for assistance.

The American Red Cross wants everyone to enjoy our Wisconsin summers safely.

For more information on basic first aid and safety measures, contact the American Red Cross at (715) 344-4052 or (715) 362-5456 or visit their Web site at http://portagewi.redcross.org.

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