Palos Park Police Department
tips for dealing with Extreme Heat!
During the summer months heat waves are particularly dangerous for
children and people with special needs. Please check on your neighbors
and offer them assistance.
The terms listed below describe the illnesses that extreme heat can
cause. Heat-related illnesses can become medical emergencies – call 911,
especially in the case of heat stroke.
HEAT CRAMPS:
Heat cramps are muscular pains and spasms resulting from heavy exertion.
Although heat cramps are the least severe heat-related illness, they are
an early signal that the body is having trouble coping with heat and
should be treated immediately with rest and fluids. Stretching or direct
pressure can also reduce cramps. Unless very severe, heat cramps do not
require emergency medical attention.
HEAT EXHAUSTION:
Heat exhaustion occurs when body fluids are lost through heavy sweating
due to vigorous exercise or working in a hot, humid place. Symptoms
include: sweating; pale, clammy skin; fatigue; headache; dizziness;
shallow breaths; and a weak or rapid pulse. Victims of heat exhaustion
are tired but not confused. The condition should be treated with rest in
a cool area, drinking water or electrolyte solutions, elevating the feet
12 inches, and further medical treatment in severe cases. If not
treated, the victim’s condition may escalate to heat stroke. If the
victim does not respond to basic treatment, seek medical attention.
HEAT STROKE:
Also called “sunstroke.” The victim’s temperature control system, which
produces sweat to cool the body, stops working. The skin is flushed, hot
and dry, and body temperature may be elevated. The victim may also be
confused, develop seizures, breathe shallowly and have a weak or rapid
pulse. This is the most serious heat-related illness and people
exhibiting these symptoms should seek emergency medical attention.
FOLLOW THESE TIPS TO STAY COOL:
• Stay out of the sun. When in the sun, wear sunscreen (at least SPF
15).
• Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothes that cover as
much skin as possible to prevent sunburn.
• Give your body a chance to adjust to extreme temperature changes.
• Drink plenty of non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated fluids.
• Use shades or awnings.
• Consider going to public pools and air-conditioned stores and malls.
• Never leave children, pets, or those who require special care in a
parked car during periods of intense summer heat.
• Find a cooling center. When the heat
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Personal
Safety in…
Routine Banking
Protect your ATM personal identification number (PIN). Stand directly
in front of the ATM when you enter your PIN so no one can look over your
shoulders to view your number entry. When in your car, look in your
mirrors and all around you, to ensure nobody is watching. Be prepared to
conduct your transaction before you draw near the ATM or Night Deposit.
Complete your business promptly, secure money in your pocket or purse,
always take your receipt (it shows your account number) and don’t linger
in the area. Use care when going to and from your bank entrance and
foyer. Be observant, and don’t display cash, checks or important
documents. Always be cautious of “odd” lurking strangers. Watch over
your deposit slips and check books. These items present essential
account information that should be safeguarded.
While
Walking
Stay alert and attentive to your setting and surroundings. Walk
confidently at a steady pace on well-traveled routes, and avoid walking
at night. Exercise caution when strangers (pedestrians or motorists)
ask for information, and keep a safe distance to avoid being grabbed,
clutched or dragged. Carry a fully charged cell phone and participate
in the
In Case of
Emergency
(ICE) Program. (The ICE program is simple! In your cell phone
phonebook, place the numbers of family members or friends you would like
emergency first responders to call if you are injured, incapacitated or
involved in some catastrophic event. List the numbers in your cell
phone under the acronym ICE.)
At
the Workplace
Always lock your car in the parking area before entering the building.
If you are the last person to leave the building at night, go ahead to
your car in an observant and watchful manner. Know the locations of all
fire exits and fire extinguishers, report malfunctioning exterior and
interior lighting, and steer clear of allowing strangers access to the
workplace. In your work area, keep your purse, wallet and other
valuables out of open view. Keep track of all office keys in the event
of emergencies or other urgent situations. Don’t give out personal
information to strangers, unfamiliar persons or unknown callers. Lock
doors and keep the lights on when working after normal hours. Avoid
entering elevators with persons who look “out-of-place” and don’t use
stairwells by yourself. Whenever possible, let your spouse, friend, or
relative know you are at work. Call 9-1-1 for police and fire.
When
Driving
Park in highly visible areas in full view; in the evening, make certain
that the lighting is satisfactory. After parking, turn up windows and
lock the doors. When returning to your vehicle, approach your car
cautiously with keys in-hand, looking around and inside the vehicle
before entering. Know the “Bump-and-Rob” scam. That is when a vehicle
jolts your car to force you to stop, thus making you a potential crime
victim. If it happens, remain in your locked vehicle, call 9-1-1 if you
have a cell phone and drive to a busy, noticeable area. Be very guarded
if you spot a stranded motorist; if you wish to help them, call 9-1-1,
instead of stopping. If you are having serious car trouble, pull to the
shoulder, raise your hood, engage four-way flashers and stay in your
locked vehicle. If you sense that you are being followed or pursued,
call 9-1-1 and drive to the nearest police station. When stopping allow
sufficient room to maneuver around cars, in case an urgent situation
arises or to avoid an accident. If an auto thief threatens you with a
firearm or weapon, exit the vehicle and give up your car. |
