Officials Urge People to Take Precautions in Heat

With temperatures expected to near 100 degrees Thursday, officials are urging people to take precautions and limit their outdoor activities.

“People need to limit their activities outside to items that must be done and put off those items that can wait,” said Chief Richard Hutchings of the Town of Canton Volunteer Fire and EMS Department. “The weeds will not grow any bigger in your garden in a day or two, mowing the grass can wait.”

Hutchings advocates a common-sense approach.

He advices people to stay inside with fans and, where possible, air-conditioning.

And of course, plenty of water is recommended. Drinks like soda, coffee and tea can actually dehydrate the body due to the presence of caffeine and sugar, Hutchings said.

“Two sips every two minutes while you are awake of plain, cold water will for the most part replenish your fluid needs,” he said.

In some cases, more fluids are recommended.

One area of concern is for firefighters, should they have to respond to emergencies during the hot weather.

Fire gear is effective at protecting from heat and flames, he said, but can cause a firefighter to overheat easily.

“The gear does this well. However the very features that provide us protection against the heat and flames from a fire also cause us to easily overheat when the outside temperatures climb,” Hutchings said.

On a day of 90-plus temperatures, a firefighter can do about 15 minutes of hard work like climbing ladders and handling heavy hoses before heat can pose a serious health risk.

In addition to emergency officials staying well hydrated, mutual aid can be a life saver as the more people there are at a scene, the more firefighters can take short shifts.

Most importantly, Hutchings urges people to avoid texting while driving, wear seat belts, wear life jackets, have working smoke detectors and avoid any other activities that increase the risk of dangerous situations, both for the victim and firefighters.

In addition to emergency officials, school personnel will also be keeping a close eye on the heat and its effects Thursday,

On Wednesday, schools in Canton took precautions such as having indoor recess, keeping lights off where possibly and keeping students well hydrated, Assistant Superintendent Lynn McMullin said.

A Canton Middle School field day slated for Thursday was postponed to Friday.

Inside, precautions vary.

“Everyone uses their own discretion because the buildings are different,” she said.

Most rooms in the schools, for example, are not air-conditioned but some with on upper floors, like Canton Middle School and parts of Canton Intermediate School can be more of a concern.

Due to the urgency of the end of the year, the school district hopes not to lose any time.  And the state has no exact guidelines about closing school but the situation will be monitored again Thursday and the safety of students put first, McMullin added.