IAFC Offers Tips on How to Deal With Extreme Temperatures

Aug. 17, 2005
Much of the United States and Canada has experienced record high temperatures over the past several weeks. The Internation Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) urges fire departments to take extra precautions to ensure the safety of all firefighters and personnel during periods of exceptionally hot temperatures.

The IAFC spoke with several fire departments that regularly experience temperatures over 100 degrees to compile the following suggested actions:

1. Keep hydrated. Drink lots of water, on duty and off duty. Have drinking water available on all apparatus, in all chiefs' cars and all other fire department vehicles. Urge firefighters to drink plenty of water before coming on duty.
2. Avoid soft drinks, sugary drinks or caffeinated drinks.
3. Urge personnel to get plenty of rest while off duty.
4. Urge personnel to report any and all symptoms of dehydration, heat cramps, heat stroke or heat exhaustion. See the resources below to find out the signs and symptoms of these conditions.
5. Limit outdoor exercise.
6. Establish a rehabilitation center at major incidents. If possible, set up the rehab center under a tent or in a shaded area.
7. Set up an extra hose to provide a place for firefighters to cool off.
8. Pull extra alarms or bring in extra companies at major incidents to relieve the first-arriving crews.

In addition, a number of resources are available to help departments deal with extremely high temperatures:

About the Author

Sandy Smith

Sandy Smith is the former content director of EHS Today, and is currently the EHSQ content & community lead at Intelex Technologies Inc. She has written about occupational safety and health and environmental issues since 1990.

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