FEMA wants people to be prepared

We all know the basics of how to protect ourselves in extreme heat. Make sure your drink plenty of water. Stay out of the sun as much as possible. Put on sunscreen. On top of these steps there are other thing people can do to be safe in the warm weather. FEMA has a list on their app of things you should also do before and after the heat wave. 

Here are are a few things that FEMA says you can do in order to prepare for the heat:

• Check air-conditioning ducts for proper insulation.
• Weather-strip doors and sills to keep cool air in.
• Cover windows that receive morning or afternoon sun with drapes, shades, awnings, or louvers. (Outdoor awnings or louvers can reduce the heat that enters a home by up to 80 percent.)
• Know those in your neighborhood who are elderly, young, sick or overweight. They are more likely to become victims of excessive heat and may need help.
• Be aware that people living in urban areas may be at greater risk from the effects of a prolonged heat wave than are people living in rural areas.
• Get trained in first aid to learn how to treat heat-related emergencies.

Once the heat is here, FEMA also explains ways in which you stay safe:

• Stay on the lowest floor out of the sunshine if air conditioning is not available.
• Consider spending the warmest part of the day in public buildings such as libraries, schools, movie theaters, shopping malls, and other community facilities. Circulating air can cool the body by increasing the perspiration rate of evaporation.
• Eat well-balanced, light, and regular meals. Avoid using salt tablets unless directed to do so by a physician.
• Avoid drinks with caffeine. Persons who have epilepsy or heart, kidney, or liver disease; are on fluid-restricted diets; or have a problem with fluid retention should consult a doctor before increasing liquid intake.
• Limit intake of alcoholic beverages.
• Dress in loose-fitting, lightweight, and light-colored clothes that cover as much skin as possible. Avoid dark colors because they absorb the sun’s rays.
• Check on family, friends, and neighbors who do not have air conditioning and who spend much of their time alone.

These are ways in order to beat the heat but extreme heat is not the only Natural Disaster that Mother Nature will through our way this year. For more preparedness facts you can go online to www.ready.gov or download the FEMA app on your phone. Also for the latest information about current and local weather you can also download the WKBN Storm Team 27 Weather App.