Safety while enjoying the sun

MOSES LAKE — Amid the slip-n-slides and children eagerly awaiting the sound of the ice cream truck, people should take precautions during a heat wave.

“It’s going to be hot and mainly dry for the next few weeks around the Moses Lake area,” said forecaster for the National Weather Service Matt Fugazzi. “We may be flirting with record temperatures for the next few days.”

Expected highs this week are 100 to 105 degrees. The high temperature started Monday and is lasting into the weekend. Slight winds are expected to begin today. Sunday is going to cool down into the mid 90s, according to Fugazzi.

The high temperatures require extra sun care practices, according to health services and weather experts.

“Residents should drink plenty of water and not overdo time in the sun,” Fugazzi said. “They should also be cautious when burning anything outside because of the dry air and winds.”

The Grant County Health Department emphasized the importance of child safety during hot weather.

“Whether it’s snowing, cool and sunny or a sweltering 90 degree day, it’s never a good idea to leave children unattended in a parked car — for any length of time, even if the windows are down and the doors are locked. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke can occur rapidly in enclosed vehicles,” stated a spokesperson for the Grant County Emergency Management.

Residents should watch for heat exhaustion and heat stroke, said nurse educator at Samaritan Hospital Martha Wong.

Symptoms of heat exhaustion include muscle cramps, headache, dizziness, fainting, feeling weak, vomiting, sweating and more. If suffering from heat exhaustion, get into a cool area immediately, loosen clothes, cool down with a cold shower and drink water, Wong advised.

If heat exhaustion isn’t caught early and treated, heat stroke will follow. Symptoms are a rapid pulse, inability to sweat, body temperature above 103 degrees or feeling dizzy, nauseous and confused, said Wong.  

 “Heat stroke is a 9-1-1 emergency,” Wong said. “Those with these symptoms need to check into the emergency room immediately.”

Infants, children under four and people 65 and older are most at risk for heat exhaustion or stroke. People already sick, working outside or on medication are also in danger during extreme heat, said Wong.

“People can do things to protect themselves and the ones they love,” Wong said. “Prevention is, of course, the best thing.”

Wong advises resting in the shade, wearing hats, sunscreen, light-colored and loose clothing and staying indoors for most of the day if possible.

“Spend the hottest part of the day in a place that has air conditioning, such as a restaurant or movie theater,” Wong said. “Schedule outdoor activities during the cooler parts of the day, which are early morning and late evening.”

Residents are also encouraged to drink water, avoiding sugary drinks, alcohol and beverages with caffeine. Wong cautions against turning on a fan in the house.

“If the temperature is over 100 degrees the fan will just blow hot air around the house faster and faster,” Wong said.

If feeling overheated, rest on a bed and cover yourself with a cold, wet blanket, Wong said.

Animal owners should also practice prevention strategies and watch for heat stroke and heat exhaustion with pets.

“Keep animals in the shade and bring them in the house so they can be exposed to air conditioning,” Wong said. “Make sure they are drinking lots of cool water and change their water bowl if it has been outside for a long time because the water gets hot fast.”

It won’t cool down anytime soon, forecasters say.

“We are in the hottest part of the year and the whole month of August is a hot month,” Fugazzi said. “The heat is going to continue.”