CFD responds to heat-related calls
By Randy Bell
With the heat index reaching dangerous levels in recent weeks, the Clinton Fire Department has been seeing an increase in calls involving people who’ve been overcome by the combination of hot temperatures and high humidity.
“It’s been a sudden uptick, maybe going back to mid-June,” says Fire Chief Levius Buckley. According to the chief, most of the victims became dehydrated while doing yard work, “from professionals cutting grass to just folks working around the house trying to clean up.”
While the heat exhaustion cases in Clinton generally have been mild, Buckley says a few of the people were transported by ambulance to local hospitals as a precaution.
The heat wave has been deadly in other parts of Hinds County. A Bolton woman died while working in her garden on June 27. Two days later, a Jackson man disappeared while out for a walk, his body later discovered behind a gas station. Coroner Jeramiah Howard ruled that both deaths were the result of heat exposure.
Buckley encourages Clintonians to take the necessary precautions to avoid becoming the victim of heat exhaustion during outdoor physical activities.
“Once you get started, it’s hard to stop. We don’t take breaks as much as we should. And, you know, if you’re not drinking a gallon of water a day, you’re kind of behind the eight ball if you’re working outside.”
The chief also points out that outdoor activities are more dangerous during the afternoon, when heat stress is higher.
“Do your work early in the morning,” he says. “I’m a big proponent of that. I get out and cut my grass early.” He says he wears long sleeves for the cooling effect the sweat provides. “That helps,” Buckley says.
Protect yourself and others from heat stroke by:
• Drinking plenty of fluids, especially water, and avoiding alcoholic and caffeinated drinks.
• Always checking the back seat. Never leave children or pets alone in vehicles. Temperatures can soar to 125 degrees in less than 15 minutes in a hot car.
• Checking on seniors and vulnerable adults frequently.
Warning signs of heat stroke may include the following:
• An extremely high body temperature (above 103 degrees, orally)
• Red, hot and dry skin (no sweating)
• Rapid, strong pulse
• Throbbing headache, dizziness, nausea and confusion
If heat stroke happens:
• Call 911 for immediate medical assistance, and get the victim out of the sun or heat.
• Cool the victim rapidly, using whatever methods you can.
• Monitor body temperature, and continue cooling efforts until it drops to 101-102 degrees.
• If emergency help is delayed, call the hospital emergency room for further instructions.
For more tips on protecting yourself from the Mississippi heat, visit msdh.ms.gov/heat.
