Governor's office, Red Cross provide safety tips for hot weather

By Ari Burack, Bay City News Service

July 25, 2006

As record high temperatures continued to sizzle parts of Northern California Monday, the governor's office and the American Red Cross issued a series of safety tips for outdoor workers and for the general public.

For outdoor workers, the governor's office and the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health recommended allowing the body to gradually acclimate to hot temperatures, drinking plenty of water and taking rest breaks in the shade.

Also, on very hot days, workers should consider starting early in the day and finishing early.

More information on heat illness, workers' rights and safety issues can be found on the Cal/OSHA Web site at www.dir.ca.gov or by calling (415) 703-5100.

The governor's office also provided information on local "cool centers'' for people without air conditioning. Information can be found by calling the Pacific Gas and Electric Co. at (800) 743-5000.

The American Red Cross' heat safety tips for the general public included: wearing lightweight, light-colored clothing and a hat; carrying plenty of liquids and drinking often, even if not thirsty, and avoiding alcohol and caffeine, which dehydrate the body; eating small meals and avoiding high-protein foods, which increase heat; avoiding strenuous activity, especially during the hottest hours of the day; staying indoors when possible; and making sure to check up on older neighbors.

For victims of heat cramps or heat exhaustion due to heavy physical exertion, the American Red Cross advised bringing the victim to a cool place to rest comfortably. The victim should be given half a glass of cool water every 15 minutes. Cool, wet cloths should be applied to the body as well. If the person vomits or loses consciousness, call 911 immediately.

Heat stroke, also known as sunstroke, is an even more serious, life-threatening condition that can cause death if not treated quickly.

Symptoms include hot, red and dry skin; changes in consciousness; rapid, weak pulse; rapid, shallow breathing; and body temperature rising as high as 105 degrees. The American Red Cross advised calling 911 immediately and quickly cooling the body in a cool bath or with wet sheets. If the victim refuses water or vomits or experiences changes in consciousness, do not give anything to eat or drink.

More information on heat safety can be found by calling the Santa Clara Valley Chapter at (408) 577-1000 or visiting the Web site www.santaclaravalley.redcross.org.

Copyright © 2006 by Bay City News, Inc. -- Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited.

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