Hot Weather Recommendations

The hazy, hot, and humid days of summer are now occurring in many sections of the United States.  With the arrival of the summer equinox, the Emergency Management and Response--Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EMR-ISAC) understands there is increased risk of heat stress, heat exhaustion, or the more serious heat stroke for Emergency Services Sector (ESS) personnel.
 
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), working in extreme temperatures is not only uncomfortable, it can be life threatening.  An OSHA official stated: "It is important for workers and their employers to minimize the chances of heat-induced illnesses, and imperative that they recognize the signs of heat stress and take proper precautions to reduce the chances of illness or death."
 
Because first responders must frequently perform duties in extreme heat environments, OSHA advises that proactive and aggressive precautions should be enforced.  Therefore, the EMR-ISAC acquired the following recommendations from various sources for the consideration of ESS departments and agencies:  
 
·         Urge personnel to drink plenty of water before coming on duty and during duty performance.
·         Advise personnel to avoid soft drinks, sugary liquids, or caffeinated beverages.
·         Encourage personnel to get plenty of rest while off duty.
·         Urge personnel to report any symptoms of dehydration, heat cramps, heat stroke, or heat exhaustion.
·         Require the presence of EMS with a transport unit during all training and incident responses.
·         Create a rehabilitation center with tents for shaded areas at training and incident sites.
·         Provide electrolyte sports drinks and bottled water.
·         Set up an extra hose to provide a place for personnel to cool off.
·         Set up limb immersion chairs under tents and provide cool towels.
·         Monitor temperature and relative humidity continuously.
·         Ensure personnel accountability.
·         Enforce work-to-rest ratios.
·         Bring extra personnel to major events to provide adequate relief for exhausted crews.
 
More information regarding this subject can be seen at FEMA's Extreme Heat Backgrounder.

FEMA and CDC

Submitted by Bob La Plante