Prolonged periods of dangerously high temperatures and high humidity levels have appeared for a good portion of July. The Voorhees Police Department and the Camden County Health Department are trying to make sure the public is aware of the causes and precautions of heatstroke.
“That’s the first part. Trying to get the word out there education wise,” Voorhees Police Deputy Chief William Donnelly said.
The department also made it known that July 31 is National Heatstroke Precaution Day, but Donnelly said when officers are patrolling the streets, they are on the lookout for signs of heat exhaustion during the hotter days of the season.
Twice a year, officers sit through an in-service training that covers first aid and first responders’ information, Donnelly said.
“An advisory heat alert is put out to remind officers to be on the lookout,” he said.
Camden County Freeholder Carmen Rodriquez, liaison to the Camden County Health Department, recommends the public avoid working or playing in the hot sun. If going outside is unavoidable, wear a wide-brimmed hat or head covering.
She also recommends using air-conditioning and fans and open windows to remove trapped hot air, maintain a normal diet, shower in near skin temperature water and drink plenty of water or fluids.
“Serious signs of heat stress include unconsciousness, rapid heartbeat, throbbing headache, dry skin, chest pain, mental confusion, irritability, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle cramps, staggering and difficulty breathing. People experiencing these symptoms should get to immediate medical attention,” Rodriguez said. “While waiting for help, move the person to a cool area, remove excess clothing, spray with water and fan the person. In an emergency, dial 911.”
Donnelly said it’s also imperative residents look out for elderly neighbors and younger children playing outside.
“We can’t be everywhere. Look to your neighbor and make sure everything is OK,” he said.
The department is also “hyper-vigilant on kids and pets being left in cars” during the summer, Donnelly said.
According to Kids and Cars — a nonprofit child safety organization devoted to preventing injuries and death to children in or around motor vehicles — 33 children died in 2012 from heat stroke after being left in a car. As of July 10, 21 children have died, including two from Canada. The highest number of fatalities for one year was in 2010 with 49 deaths.
Luckily, no heatstroke incidents have been reported in Voorhees during July, Donnelly said.
The department sent out an advisory message via Nixle regarding National Heatstroke Prevention Day. The announcement provides the public with tips and information on prevention, signs of heat exhaustion and more.
To view the full announcement, visit local.nixle.com/alert/5031946/?sub_id=1096068.
