| Weather forecasts for the entire Maryland area over the next few days predict multiple days of extreme heat, with daytime temperatures approaching or exceeding 100F and heat indices even higher. With these extreme heat warnings, the MFCA Safety Committee reminds all members to take a proactive stand. Whether you are engaged in emergency operations, training, working around the station, participating in public events, or off-duty, please keep the following measures in mind:
Start your day well hydrated and continue drinking fluids throughout the day.
Monitor yourself and others around you for early signs of heat stress, including dizziness, headache, muscle cramps, nausea, unusual fatigue, confusion, or altered mental status.
Initiate rehabilitation procedures during prolonged or physically demanding incidents. Rehab is necessary to help maintain safety and performance.
Request additional resources early so that work-rest-rehab cycles can be maintained.
Take advantage of any cooling methods available, including cooling chairs, misting fans, and other resources.
Company officers must continually assess work-rest cycles and personnel condition throughout the incident. If necessary, a change in operating strategy must be considered to ensure the safety of personnel operating at the incident.
Heat stress is cumulative. Although personnel may start the day looking well and able to perform, multiple calls and prolonged activity in the heat will deteriorate their physical condition.
Our goals should be simple: recognize heat stress early, intervene promptly, and ensure that everyone goes home safe and healthy at the end of the day.
A safety message from the MFCA Safety and Health Committee |
