Extreme temperatures 🥵: HFD shares times on how to avoid heat-related medical emergencies

HOUSTON – The Houston Fire Department is sharing some safety tips ahead of the extreme heat that’s set to take over the city this week.

HFD not only wanted to provide some tips to the community, but they also wanted to share what they are doing to keep firefighters safe during these times.

Tips from HFD to avoid medical emergencies:

• Stay hydrated - even if you’re not thirsty, take sips of water throughout the day and try to avoid sugary, caffeinated drinks and alcohol.
• Wear light-colored clothing.
• Check-in on elderly neighbors and small children.
• If you work outdoors, try to complete work before 10 a.m. and then take a break during the peak hours of the day and resume after 5 p.m.

During the month of June, HFD said it responded to 442 heat-related calls, and during the month of July, it responded to 251 as of July 17.

To keep firefighters who are responding to these calls or working fires safe, the department is limiting training hours, ensuring crews stay hydrated throughout the day and making sure they are receiving proper rehab and rotation during fire scenes.