LANSING, MI (WHTC-AM/FM) — The Fourth of July holiday heat wave has officials from Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (MSP/EMHSD) urging residents to prepare for the extreme heat. The Humane Society of the United States shared tips for pet safety.
Temperatures will hover around 90 over the next six days, according to National Weather Service predictions. People and pets need extra care to avoid getting hurt or sick, officials said.
“Extreme heat can be life-threatening,” said Capt. Kevin Sweeney, deputy state director of Emergency Management and Homeland Security and commander of the MSP/EMHSD. “By taking some precautionary steps, you can minimize your risk of heat-related injury and help those who are most affected by severe heat.”
Tips for preventing heat-related injuries or illnesses in people:
- Find places with air conditioning to take a break from the heat.
- If you are outside, find shade. Wear a hat wide enough to protect your face.
- Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
- Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
- Do not use electric fans when the temperature outside is more than 95 degrees, as it could increase the risk of heat-related illness. Fans create air flow and a false sense of comfort, but do not reduce body temperature.
- Avoid high-energy activities.
- Check yourself, family members and neighbors for signs of heat-related illness
- Keep a close eye on swimmers when visiting a lake or pool. Boaters and people who don’t swim well should always wear flotationd devices.
Tips for keeping pets safe and health during heatwaves:
- Limit exercise on hot days. If pets must go out for a stretch, do that during early morning or later in the evening. Pavement can become scorching hot, so have pet walk on grass rather than pavement.
- Always carry water while walking a pet, to keep them from dehydrating.
- Skip the fan. Pets’ bodies cool differently than humans. Dogs, for example cool down via the bottoms of their feet.
- Provide plenty of shade and water when outside. Add ice to water bowls when possible. Dog houses, while shady, worsen heat issues because there’s no airflow.
- If your pets like getting wet, consider bathing them, or setting up a small pool or sprinkler outside
- Learn signs of medical distress: Heatstroke symptoms include heavy panting, glazed eyes, a rapid heartbeat, difficulty breathing, excessive thirst, lethargy, fever, dizziness, lack of coordination, profuse salivation, vomiting, a deep red or purple tongue, seizure and unconsciousness. Treatment includes getting your pet to a cool place — shade or an air-conditioned room. Use ice packs or cold towels to the head, neck or chest. Run cool — not cold — water over them. Give them small amounts of cool water at intervals, or let them lick ice. Check with your veterinarian to review symptoms in case they need further medical care. (Dogs’ temperatures should not get to 104 degrees.)
- Prepare for power outages.
Learn the signs at michigan.gov/miready and at humanesociety.org.
