Plan ahead for safety in summer heat

Photo: WikiHow

This week is shaping up to be one of the hottest of the summer and the right preparations can be key to safety. We often think of emergency kits during the extremes of winter, but a well-stocked kit is just as valuable during record heat.

Jason Henry, CoxHealth’s Emergency Management officer, passes along a few tips, compiled in part from WikiHow.com and readyin3.gov:

1. Evaluate where you work and how far you live from work. Don't think of it in regular transportation terms. Ask yourself what you would do if you had to get home without the use of a car or public transportation during an emergency. Discuss with your family what you may do in an emergency if they can't reach you by cell phone.

2. Coordinate with your co-workers and exchange ideas for creating individual jump-and-run bags ideal for your situation, urban area, and workplace.

3. Use a large, canvas, water resistant backpack with several compartments and padded shoulder straps. A waist strap will help distribute weight and make the bag easier to carry long distances. Think function over fashion.

4. Add reflective tape to backpack and include any type of head covering (the more the better).

5. Pack water and high-energy dried or canned food. Pack at least one bottle of water for every family member (more if possible). Routinely check the bottles for leaks. Place them in a plastic container w/ lid or something to contain the water if the bottle were to rupture. Peanut butter, granola bars, dried fruit, and canned food of any kind are great options.

6. Get a poncho or other rain gear that compacts nicely.

7. Pack a whistle and first aid kit with sunscreen in your backpack.

8. Pack a pair of athletic shoes and comfortable socks in your backpack.

9. Pack a large umbrella or tarp to assist with providing shade if needed. Make sure to include straps or bungees to hang the tarp.

10. Purchase a portable charging unit for your cell phone and place it in your car.

11. Maintain a functioning flashlight. Test the batteries often.

12. Purchase a box of dust masks from the local hardware store. Fires are common during excessive heat periods and the masks may be a life-saver if you were forced to leave your vehicle.

13. Hide some cash (not too much) in your backpack. ATMs, debit card machines, etc., are notorious for not working during large emergencies. It is suggested to hide a spare house key here as well if appropriate.

14. Add an all-purpose pocket tool or Swiss Army knife if possible. Include a can opener.

15. Pack a battery-operated radio or purchase a hand-crank radio (doesn’t require batteries). Often important emergency information and directions is given over the radio.