By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter
CHEHALIS – Drink up. Water, that is.
That’s the message from local fire departments who want members of the public to stay well as temperatures are expected to climb into the 90s.
“During hot weather it is important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water,” members of Lewis County FIre District 6 offer as their number one hot weather health tip.
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Adults should plan to drink 10 to 15 eight ounce glasses of water to remain well hydrated, not including soda pop, according to the Lewis County Public Fire Educators Group.
Getting, and retaining, plenty of fluid can be your first and best defense against the affects of prolonged heat exposure, the group says.
The National Weather Service this afternoon warns that hot weather is expected Friday and into early next week in Western Washington. Saturday is likely to be the hottest day, they say. Even overnight temperatures are expected to remain warm.
The weather service issued an excessive heat watch today for counties south of us and in the eastern portion of Pacific County, potentially hitting 100 degrees.
Riverside Fire Authority Assistant Chief Rick Mack and Newaukum Valley Fire and Rescue’s Lt. Laura Hanson remind residents that staying cool – by avoiding heavy exertion and by remaining inside an air conditioned area – will help the body retain its needed fluid.
And don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink, they recommend.
These are steps people can take to allow their body’s natural cooling mechanism, sweat, to work, they say.
The Lewis County Public Fire Educators Group is newly formed by the Lewis County Fire Chief’s Association and working to educate as many Lewis County citizens as possible on common themes of fire and life safety prevention, according to Mack.
They suggest folks check on at-risk family members and friends frequently during the heat wave.
Firefighters of District 6 today additionally remind the public that temperatures inside parked cars can rise very quickly to deadly levels, so people should avoid leaving children and pets unattended in vehicles.
They all recommend wearing sunscreen outside.
It’s a health issue.
The Public Fire Educators want individuals to be able to enjoy the summer weather without the harmful effects of heat-related illnesses.
Here’s what they say to watch for:
Signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion include:
• Heavy sweating
• Weakness
• Cold, pale, clammy skin
• Rapid, weak pulse
• Nausea, vomiting
• Fainting
Heat exhaustion may require medical attention, but, if recognized early, can be reversed with hydration and cooling.
Signs and symptoms of heat stroke include:
• High body temperature above 103 degrees
• Hot, red, dry or moist skin
• Rapid strong pulse
• Possible unconsciousness
Heat stroke is a true medical emergency that will most often require hospitalization.
Tags: By Sharyn L. Decker, news reporter