Jun 5, 2007 2 min read

The Fayette County Emergency Management Agency/911 cautions residents to take extra care in the heat. The Fayette County 911 Center has processed a handful of 911 calls that have either causes illness or an exacerbation of a medical condition. The calls that can be directly linked to the heat, though not many, are more than the center has received this time in the previous years.

Most at danger are the elderly, those who are doing their annual springtime lawn work and cleanup but this year, unlike the past, they are doing it in summer heat.

A simple task such as an hour or so of weeding could have a very negative effect when a previous medical condition is coupled with extreme heat.

The precautions generally issued during July and August are making their way to the forefront much earlier this year.

During the hot days, hold off on outdoor work until the cooler evening hours. Drink plenty of non-caffeinated fluids, dress in light clothing and take advantage of the shade whenever possible.

Parents are reminded to keep children hydrated and remember to use sunblock.

Residents who are electing to do their lawn cleanup and have intentions of lighting a burn pile or a burn barrel should take into consideration the following things:

– Their municipality’s ordinance on open burning.

– The weather conditions such as wind. Remember that a good day to dry clothes outside is a bad day to burn.

– The health and safety of the firefighters who will need to don laying of protective clothing to fight the fire should the controlled burn suddenly become uncontrolled.