With more high temperatures expected this week, the Red Cross Southern California Region is offering the following tips to stay safe:
HEAT SAFETY:
1. Never leave children or pets in your vehicle.
2. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of non-caffeine and non-alcoholic fluids.
3. Check on family, friends and neighbors without air conditioning, who are 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 in places like schools, libraries, theaters, malls, etc.
5. Avoid extreme temperature changes.
6. Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
7. Slow down, stay indoors and avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day.
8. Postpone outdoor activities.
9. Take frequent breaks if working outdoors.
10. Check on animals frequently. Make sure they have plenty of cool water and shade.
WILDFIRE SAFETY:
BE PREPARED TO EVACUATE AT A MOMENT’S NOTICE and obey all evacuation orders from officials. Follow these steps (if time allows):
1. Shut all windows and doors. Remove flammable window shades, curtains and close metal shutters.
2. Move flammable furniture to the center of the room, away from windows and doors.
3. Shut off gas at the meter; turn off pilot lights. Shut off the air conditioning.
4. Gather up flammable items from the exterior of the house and bring them inside (patio furniture, toys, trash cans).
5. Turn off propane tanks. Move propane BBQ appliances away from structures.
5. Don’t leave sprinklers on or water running, they can affect critical water pressure.
6. Back your loaded car into the driveway and keep all doors and windows closed.
7. Ensure your emergency supplies kit is in your vehicle.
8. Locate your pets and take them with you.
IF THE POWER GOES OUT:
1. Don’t touch downed electrical power lines.
2. Use flashlights in the dark, not candles.
3. Eliminate unnecessary travel, especially by car.
4. Learn how to use generators safely.
5. Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible.
6. First use perishable food from the refrigerator. Perishables should have a temperature of 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4 degrees Celsius) or below to be safe to eat. Then use food from the freezer.
7. Use your non-perishable foods and staples after using food from the refrigerator and freezer.
8. If it looks like the power outage will continue beyond a day, prepare a cooler with ice for your freezer items.
9. Keep food in a dry, cool spot and keep it covered at all times.
10. Turn off and unplug all unnecessary electrical equipment, including sensitive electronics.
11. Turn off or disconnect any appliances (like stoves), equipment or electronics you were using when the power went out. When power comes back on, surges or spikes can damage equipment.
12. Leave one light turned on so you’ll know when the power comes back on.
Stay cool, and thank a firefighter!