Narragansett Police Share Hot Weather Safety Tips

NARRAGANSETT, RI — Narragansett Police Chief Sean Corrigan has shared some tips to remind residents to take precautions during high temperatures.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heat-related deaths and illness are preventable. Yet, more than 700 people die from extreme heat annually in the United States. Age and personal factors, like illness, also put some people at higher risk. High humidity further affects the body’s ability to cool during extremely hot weather.

In 2022, 33 children died of heatstroke in vehicles. Temperatures inside vehicles rise quickly and can reach a dangerous level, even if the temperature outside is as low as 70 degrees, Narragansett police said. Rolling windows down or parking in the shade does little to change the interior temperature of the vehicle, according to police.

Community members are reminded to never leave a child or pet unattended in a parked vehicle for any length of time during hot weather.

The Narragansett Police Department recommends the following tips to stay safe in the summer heat:

• Stay in an air-conditioned indoor location as much as you can. If your home is not air-conditioned, reduce your risk for heat-related illness by spending time in public facilities that are air-conditioned and using air conditioning in vehicles.
• Drink plenty of fluids (water) even if you don’t feel thirsty. Avoid sugary, caffeinated and alcoholic drinks.
• Schedule outdoor activities carefully. Find shade and minimize direct exposure to the sun. Avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day, which is typically around 3 p.m.
• Take frequent breaks if working outdoors, in the shade if possible.
• Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing and sunscreen.
• Check on others who do not have air conditioning, who spend much of their time alone, or who are more likely to be affected by the heat.
• Learn how to recognize and respond to heat illness.
• Parents and caregivers are additionally reminded to check playground equipment to avoid burns — if playground equipment is hot to the touch, it is too hot for a child’s bare skin.
• Caring for pets:
  • Pets can get dehydrated quickly, so give them plenty of fresh, clean water when it’s hot or humid outdoors.
  • Make sure pets have a shady place to get out of the sun, be careful not to over-exercise them, and keep them indoors when it’s extremely hot.
  • Know the symptoms of overheating in pets, which include excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, mild weakness, stupor or even collapse.
  • When temperatures are high, be careful of hot asphalt that can burn your dog's paw pads.

For more heat safety information, visit the CDC or the Red Cross.

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