Caring For Your Pets in the Hot Weather

 

Here are some preparedness tips to consider when caring for your pets in the hot weather:

 

·        Never leave pets in a car, even with the windows down.  The inside of a car can reach temperatures in excess of 150 degrees in a matter of minutes.

·        If possible, pets should be kept indoors during excessive heat.

 

·        If keeping a pet outside, make sure that pets have adequate shelter from the sun and plenty of fresh water at all times.

 

·        Plan outside activities with your pets during the cooler parts of the day:  early morning and evening.  Limit the outside activity of your pets during the heat of the day.

·        During hot weather sidewalks and pavement radiate excessive amounts of heat and can be too hot for the pads of your pet's paws.  Consider that if the sidewalk is too hot for you to walk barefoot, it is too hot for your pet to walk on.

·        Allow access to the coolest part of your home. If you don't have air conditioning, or you turn it off while at work, make sure your pet can get to a cool place, such as a basement.

·        Take extra precautions in hot weather for dogs that are elderly, overweight or snub-nosed.

·        Always have a disaster plan in place for you, your family and your pets.

·        Remember, WHEN YOU GO, THEY GO.  DON'T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT THEM.  If you are told to evacuate, take your pets with you.  DO NOT LEAVE YOUR PETS BEHIND.

MEMA Extreme Heat News Release

MEMA TIPS FOR DEALING WITH THE EXTREME HEAT

 

·       Many communities have set up cooling centers to assist those seeking relief from the oppressive heat. Locations and hours of operations are available by calling 2-1-1.

·      Slow down, avoid strenuous activity.  Do not try to do too much on a during the hottest  hours

      of the day.

·      Drink plenty of water regularly and often, even if you do not feel thirsty.

·      Limit intake of alcoholic beverages.  They can actually dehydrate your body.

·      Eat well-balanced, light, regular meals.  Avoid high protein foods that increase metabolic

heat.

·      Stay indoors as much as possible.

·      Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing.  Light colors will reflect heat and

sunlight and help maintain normal body temperature. Protect your face with a wide-brimmed

hat.

·      If you do not have air conditioning, stay on your lowest floor, out of the sun.  Electric

fans do not cool the air, but they do help evaporate sweat, which cools your body. Go to

a place where you can get relief from the heat, such as air conditioned schools, libraries,

theaters and other community facilities that may offer refuge during the warmest times of

the day.

·      Avoid too much sunshine.  Sunburn slows the skin's ability to cool itself.  If you are

outside, use sunscreen lotion with a high SPF (Sun Protection Factor) rating.

·      Never leave children or pets alone in a closed vehicle.

·      Check on family, friends and neighbors.

 

The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) is the state agency responsible for coordinating federal, state, local, voluntary and private resources during emergencies and disasters in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.  MEMA provides leadership to: develop plans for effective response to all hazards, disasters or threats; train emergency personnel to protect the public; provide information to the citizenry; and assist individuals, families, businesses and communities to mitigate against, prepare for, and respond to and recover from emergencies, both natural and man made. For additional information about MEMA and All Hazards Preparedness, go to the MEMA website at www.mass.gov/mema. Also, follow MEMA on Facebook and Twitter.

 

--
Lee Ann Delp, RPL
Lead Dispatcher/ Director of EMA
West Newbury Public Safety
401 Main Street
West Newbury, MA 01985
978-363-1103 Tel
978-363-1114 Fax
978-361-5232 Cell
http://www.wnema.org/

http://www.ma911.org/

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Subject: Are you children interested in emergency preparedness?

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Original Message:
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