West Faces Dangerous Heat, Wildfire Risk — Follow these Safety Steps

Millions of people face dangerous high temperatures and elevated wildfire risks all along the West Coast as a massive heat wave brings record warmth to the region.

The National Weather Service reports temperatures could go higher than 110 degrees in the Southwest through the Labor Day weekend. The affected region runs from Southern California all the way to the Northwest where conditions are expected to last for the next several days. Excessive heat watches, warnings and heat advisories are already in place across the west and the heat will contribute to an elevated risk of wildfires.

The American Red Cross urges everyone in the impacted areas to follow these heat and wildfire safety steps.

HEAT SAFETY TIPS

1. Hot cars can be deadly. Never leave children or pets in your vehicle. The inside temperature of the car can quickly reach 120 degrees.
2. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids. Avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol.
3. Check on family, friends and neighbors who do not have air conditioning, who spend much of their time alone or who are more likely to be affected by the heat.
4. If you don’t have air conditioning, seek relief from the heat during the warmest part of the day in places like schools, libraries, theaters, malls, etc.
5. Avoid extreme temperature changes.
6. Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing. Avoid dark colors because they absorb the sun’s rays.
7. Slow down, stay indoors and avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day.
8. Postpone outdoor games and activities.
9. Use your oven less to help reduce the temperature in your home.
10. Check on animals frequently to ensure that they are not suffering from the heat. Make sure they have plenty of cool water and shade. See more pet heat safety information here.
     

WHO’S AT RISK? Some people are more at risk of developing a heat-related illness, including adults age 65 and older, those with chronic medical conditions, people who work outside, infants and children and athletes. Some may take medications that make the effects of extreme heat worse. People with heart disease, poor blood circulation, obesity and mental illness are at risk for getting sick if the temperatures climb.

You will find more heat safety information here.

WILDFIRE SAFETY

People cause 85% of wildfires by burning debris, using equipment improperly, discarding cigarettes carelessly, leaving campfires unattended or intentionally setting a fire. To help prevent wildfires, follow these tips:

1. Don’t drive your vehicle onto dry grass or brush. Hot components under your vehicle can spark fires.
2. Use equipment responsibly. Lawn mowers, chain saws, tractors and trimmers can all spark a wildfire.
3. Use caution any time you use fire. Dispose of charcoal briquettes and fireplace ashes properly, never leave any outdoor fire unattended, and make sure that outdoor fires are fully extinguished before leaving the area.
4. If residential debris burning is allowed — use caution. After obtaining any necessary permits, ensure that burning is. not currently restricted in your area.
5. Store combustible or flammable materials in approved safety containers away from the house.
6. Keep track of fires near you so you can be ready to evacuate quickly. You may have only minutes to get out.
7. Find an outdoor water source such as a pond, well, even a swimming pool, and have a hose that can reach any area of your property.
8. Create a fire-resistant zone free of leaves, debris or flammable materials for at least 30 feet out from your home.
9. Make sure driveway entrances and your house number are clearly marked so fire vehicles can get to your home.
10. Designate a room that can be closed off from outside air. Close all doors and windows. Set up a portable air cleaner to keep indoor pollution levels low when smoky conditions exist.
     

More wildfire safety information can be found here.

DOWNLOAD RED CROSS APPS The Red Cross app “Emergency” can help keep you and your loved ones safe by putting vital information in your hand with more than 35 customizable severe weather and emergency alerts. The Red Cross First Aid app puts instant access to information on handling the most common first aid scenarios, including heat emergencies, at your fingertips. Download these apps for free by searching for ‘American Red Cross’ in your app store or at redcross.org/apps. Learn First Aid and CPR/AED skills (redcross.org/takeaclass) so you can help save a life.