MEMA OFFERS TIPS FOR STAYING SAFE IN HEAT AS POWER RESTORATION EFFORTS COTINUE

   REISTERSTOWN, MD (July 4, 2012) – As power companies continue to restore power around the state, Maryland officials are strongly urging residents to take these safety precautions with temperatures in the upper 90s and heat indices above 100 degrees expected for the next few days.

Although anyone at any time can suffer from heat-related illness, some people are at greater risk than others. Visit those at risk at least twice a day and closely watch them for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Infants and young children, of course, need much more frequent watching.

·         Infants and young children are sensitive to the effects of high temperatures and rely on others to regulate their environments and provide adequate liquids.

·         People 65 years of age or older may not compensate for heat stress efficiently and are less likely to sense and respond to change in temperature. They also may be more socially isolated than other population groups and less likely to be visited by friends or family on a regular basis.

·         People who are overweight may be prone to heat sickness because of their tendency to retain more body heat.

·         People who do not have access to air conditioning.

·         People who overexert during work or exercise may become dehydrated and susceptible to heat sickness.

·         People who are physically ill, especially with heart disease or high blood pressure, or who take certain medications, such as for depression, insomnia, or poor circulation, may be affected by extreme heat.

Hot weather tips:

·         Drink plenty of fluids such as water and fruit juices to prevent dehydration — be aware that alcohol can impair the body’s sweat mechanism, as can fairly common medications such as antihistamines and diuretics;

·         Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, and light-colored clothes;

·         Avoid direct sunlight by staying in the shade or by wearing sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses;

·         When possible, stay in air-conditioned areas.  If your home is not air-conditioned, consider a visit to a shopping mall or other public building. Remember that many public buildings such as libraries are not open today because of the holiday, but will be open later in the week.

·         NEVER leave pets or young children in a car, even with the windows cracked;

·         Take it easy when outdoors.  Athletes and those who work outdoors should take short breaks when feeling fatigued.  Schedule physical activity during the morning or evening when it is cooler.

·         Eat well-balanced, light, and regular meals. Avoid using salt tablets unless directed to do so by a physician.

GENERATOR SAFETY

Several people have been taken to the hospital around Maryland because due to carbon monoxide poisoning caused by improper use of generators. Operating generators should never be kept in a garage, basement, carport, patio or port or anywhere near a building. Carbon monoxide can be drawn into a building through open windows is the generator is running near a building . While potential theft of a generator may tempt people to run the equipment in or near a house, that decision could lead to loss of life.

Be sure to place the generator outside where exhaust fumes will not enter into enclosed spaces. Only operate a generator outdoors in a well-ventilated, dry area, away from air intakes to the home. The generator should be protected from direct exposure to rain.

Connecting a portable electric generator directly to your household wiring can be deadly. A generator that is directly connected to your home’s wiring can ‘backfeed’ into the power lines connected to your home. Utility transformers can then increase this lower electrical voltage to thousands of volts. That’s more than enough to kill a utility lineman making outage repairs many miles away. You could also cause expensive damage to utility equipment and your generator.

If you wish to hard-wire a generator to your home, it should be installed by a licensed electrician with an approved cut-off switch that will automatically disconnect the home from the power grid when the generator is being used. Please check with your local utility company before installing a hard-wired generator.

All generators have a power rating. they should be used only when necessary and only to power a limited number of appliances or equipment. The total wattage used by the appliances should be less than the output rating of the generator. If you put too many appliances on the generator, it could seriously damage the appliances and electronics. Overloading the generator could also cause fires in the power cord.

Do not store gasoline for the generator indoors. Gasoline should be stored in approved, non-glass safety containers. Don’t store gasoline in a garage if there’s a water heater or other fuel-burning appliance in the garage. Vapor from gasoline is heavier than air and can travel along the floor. It could be ignited by a pilot light or other source of flame, such as an electric spark.

Extinguish all flames or cigarettes when handling gasoline or the generator. Shut off the generator before refueling. Turn off all equipment powered by the generator before shutting it down. Always have a fully charged, approved fire extinguisher located near the generator.

Read the owner’s manual before you operate the generator. If you’ve lost the manual, contact the manufacturer for another copy. You can often download the manual from a manufacturer’s Web site. Keep the owner’s manual with the generator in a zip-lock bag to keep it dry.

Many generator parts are hot enough to burn you during operation. Stay away from the muffler and other hot areas and keep children away from portable electric generators at all times.

CHAIN SAW SAFETY

Many people who do not typically operate chains saws might be doing so over the next few days to remove downed trees. Here are some important tips to follow.

Before starting a chain saw, check controls, chain tension, and all bolts and handles to ensure that they are functioning properly and that they are adjusted according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Make sure that the chain is always sharp and the lubrication reservoir is full, start the saw on the ground or on another firm support and never drop start. Start the saw at least 10 feet from the fueling area, with the chain’s brake engaged.

When fueling a chain saw, use approved containers for transporting fuel to the saw and dispense fuel at least 10 feet away from any sources of ignition when performing construction activities. Never smoke during fueling. Use a funnel or a flexible hose when pouring fuel into the saw and never attempt to fuel a running or hot saw.

When using the chain saw, clear away dirt, debris, small tree limbs and rocks from the saw’s chain path. Look for nails, spikes or other metal in the tree before cutting. Shut off the saw or engage its chain brake when carrying the saw on rough or uneven terrain.

Keep your hands on the saw’s handles, and maintain secure footing while operating the saw and wear proper personal protective equipment, which includes hand, foot, leg, eye, face, hearing and head protection. Do not wear loose-fitting clothing.

Be careful that the trunk or tree limbs will not bind against the saw and watch for branches under tension, which may spring out when cut. Gasoline-powered chain saws must be equipped with a protective device that minimizes chain saw kickback. Be cautious of saw kick-back. To avoid kick-back, do not saw with the tip. If equipped, keep tip guard in place.

INDEPENDENCE DAY ACTIVITIES

Many activities such as parades, fireworks and picnics are planned around the state in celebration of Independence Day. People watching or participating in parades should pay particular attention to staying in a cool place and remaining hydrated.

While it may be cooler this evening for fireworks, people should remember to remain hydrated and move indoors to air conditioned locations if you begin to suffer any symptoms of heat exhaustion. Avoid drinking alcohol if you will be out in the hot and humid weather.

As always, remember that many fireworks such as M-80s and M-1000s are illegal in Maryland. But even sparklers (which are legal in much but not all of Maryland) can cause burns and injuries. When using legal fireworks, make sure to have water close by if needed, do not allow children to use them and do not use while under the influence of alcohol. The Office of the State Fire Marshal recommends attending Fourth of July activities that include professional fireworks shows to avoid injuries.

Studies also show that July 4 is the deadliest day of the year for traffic accidents, in part because the many miles being driven by people attending fireworks, picnics and other activities, and in part because of alcohol involved crashes. Try to limit miles driven and NEVER drink and drive.

July 4 also is a busy day for boating accidents and fatalities because of the large number of boaters that take to the waterways. As with auto fatalities, alcohol also plays a role in the large number of accidents. Boaters should be especially careful on crowded waterways, use life jackets, have a marine band radio available for emergency use and advise friends or relatives of your plans and expected time of return.

TYPES OF HEAT-RELATED ILLNESS

Heat stroke

Heat stroke occurs when the body is unable to regulate its temperature. The body’s temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails, and the body is unable to cool down. Body temperature may rise to 106°F or higher within 10 to 15 minutes. Heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not provided.

Warning signs of heat stroke vary but may include the following:

·         An extremely high body temperature (above 103°F, orally)

·         Red, hot, and dry skin (no sweating)

·         Rapid, strong pulse

·         Throbbing headache

·         Dizziness

·         Nausea

·         Confusion

·         Unconsciousness

If you see any of these signs, you may be dealing with a life-threatening emergency. Have someone call for immediate medical assistance while you begin cooling the victim. Do the following:

·         Get the victim to a shady area.

·         Cool the victim rapidly using whatever methods you can. For example, immerse the victim in a tub of cool water; place the person in a cool shower; spray the victim with cool water from a garden hose; sponge the person with cool water; or if the humidity is low, wrap the victim in a cool, wet sheet and fan him or her vigorously.

·         Monitor body temperature, and continue cooling efforts until the body temperature drops to 101-102°F.

·         If emergency medical personnel are delayed, call the hospital emergency room for further instructions.

·         Do not give the victim fluids to drink.

·         Get medical assistance as soon as possible.

Sometimes a victim’s muscles will begin to twitch uncontrollably as a result of heat stroke. If this happens, keep the victim from injuring himself, but do not place any object in the mouth and do not give fluids. If there is vomiting, make sure the airway remains open by turning the victim on his or her side.

Heat exhaustion

Heat exhaustion is a milder form of heat-related illness that can develop after several days of exposure to high temperatures and inadequate or unbalanced replacement of fluids. It is the body’s response to an excessive loss of the water and salt contained in sweat. Those most prone to heat exhaustion are elderly people, people with high blood pressure, and people working or exercising in a hot environment.

Warning signs of heat exhaustion include the following:

·         Heavy sweating

·         Paleness

·         Muscle cramps

·         Tiredness

·         Weakness

·         Dizziness

·         Headache

·         Nausea or vomiting

·         Fainting

The skin may be cool and moist. The victim’s pulse rate will be fast and weak, and breathing will be fast and shallow. If heat exhaustion is untreated, it may progress to heat stroke. Seek medical attention immediately if any of the following occurs:

·         Symptoms are severe

·         The victim has heart problems or high blood pressure

Otherwise, help the victim to cool off, and seek medical attention if symptoms worsen or last longer than 1 hour. Cooling measures that may be effective include the following:

·         Cool, nonalcoholic beverages

·         Rest

·         Cool shower, bath, or sponge bath

·         An air-conditioned environment

·         Lightweight clothing

Heat Cramps

Heat cramps usually affect people who sweat a lot during strenuous activity. This sweating depletes the body’s salt and moisture. The low salt level in the muscles may be the cause of heat cramps, which may be a symptom of heat exhaustion.

Heat cramps are muscle pains or spasms—usually in the abdomen, arms, or legs—that may occur in association with strenuous activity. If you have heart problems or are on a low-sodium diet, get medical attention for heat cramps.

If medical attention is not necessary, take these steps:

·         Stop all activity, and sit quietly in a cool place.

·         Drink clear juice or a sports beverage.

·         Do not return to strenuous activity for a few hours after the cramps subside, because further exertion may lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

·         Seek medical attention for heat cramps if they do not subside in 1 hour.

Sunburn

Sunburn should be avoided because it damages the skin. Although the discomfort is usually minor and healing often occurs in about a week, a more severe sunburn may require medical attention.

Symptoms of sunburn are well known: the skin becomes red, painful, and abnormally warm after sun exposure.

Consult a doctor if the sunburn affects an infant younger than 1 year of age or if these symptoms are present:

·         Fever

·         Fluid-filled blisters

·         Severe pain

Also, remember these tips when treating sunburn:

·         Avoid repeated sun exposure.

·         Apply cold compresses or immerse the sunburned area in cool water.

·         Apply moisturizing lotion to affected areas. Do not use salve, butter, or ointment.

·         Do not break blisters.

Heat Rash

Heat rash is a skin irritation caused by excessive sweating during hot, humid weather. It can occur at any age but is most common in young children.

Heat rash looks like a red cluster of pimples or small blisters, usually occurring on the neck and upper chest, in the groin, under the breasts, and in elbow creases.

The best treatment for heat rash is to provide a cooler, less humid environment. Keep the affected area dry. Dusting powder may be used to increase comfort. Treating heat rash is simple and usually does not require medical assistance. Other heat-related problems can be much more severe.

COOLING CENTERS

Many cities and counties around the state have been making buildings available for cooling facilities and shelters, because of the combination of extreme heat and the number customers statewide still without power.

This is a link to emergency management websites around the state that includes information about cooling centers:http://maryland.gov/Pages/CoolingCenters.aspx. Information about cooling centers also is available by calling 2-1-1, which provides health and social service information statewide.

CURRENT INFORMATION UPDATES

As of 12 noon, approximately 138,000 customers around Maryland are still without power. More than 87 percent of the customers that have lost power in Maryland have had their power restored.

As of now, eight deaths have been attributed to the June 29 storms and subsequent heat. Four were accident related and four are heat related.

MORE INFORMATION

For more information about heat and storm related issues, visit the following sites:

Maryland Emergency Management Agency: www.mema.state.md.us, twitter.com/@MDMEMA or follow us on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/mdmema.

Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene: dhmh.maryland.gov

Federal Emergency Management Agency: www.ready.gov

Centers for Disease Control: www.cdc.gov

Maryland Emergency Management Agency Public Information Officers are available to discuss current conditions. Ed McDonough will be available by cell phone (410-446-3333) or e-mail (ed.mcdonough@maryland.gov) throughout the remainder of July 4. Eddie Hopkins (410-422-7561 or Edward.hopkins@maryland.gov) will be available for media calls on July 5.