The extreme heat the valley is experiencing can increase the chances of fire in homes and businesses. Here are some examples of past fires and what people can do to prevent them.

REFRIGERATORS/FREEZERS  Many people have refrigerators or freezers in the garage or in a storage room that is not cooled by an air conditioner. To keep the interior of the refrigerator/freezer cold, the compressor has to work extra hard.  If the room or garage is very hot, it means the compressor on the refrigerator/freezer could work almost constantly.  When the compressor is working, even properly, it gets extremely hot and can cause a fire.  Refrigerators/freezers that are kept on wood floors, floors with carpeting or trash that accumulates behind the refrigerator/freezer have caused fires in homes over the years.  Temperatures in garages can get over 100 degrees in some cases, while inside the home it may be 75-85 degrees.  That means refrigerators/freezers inside the home work less.

OUTSIDE FIRES  With the extreme heat, conditions outside are extremely dry.  Any type of outside fire will spread quickly.  If using an outside cooking device such as a bar-be-cue, make sure someone is with the device at all times while it is cooking.  It should be at least ten feet from any type of building while in use.  Do not discard smoking material on to the ground, especially from a vehicle.  Cigarette butts have started numerous grass or brush fires during extreme heat.  Do not park vehicles over any type of vegetation (grass, brush, leaves, etc.) 

EXTENTION CORDS  Extension cords cause many fires if used with appliances.  Extension cords should not be used with a  refrigerator/freezer or air conditioning units.  If they are running constantly and the extension cord is not designed to carry the required electric load, the cord will heat up quickly and cause a fire.

CHEMICALS  Chemicals that are left exposed to direct sunlight during extreme heat can cause a fire.  Paints, fuels, and the like can cause explosions in some cases.  One house on the north side of city was completely destroyed because the occupant was painting (art painting) on their patio and left a small can of paint thinner exposed to the sun in extreme heat.  Within minutes the thinner ignited, started the back of the house on fire and spread quickly into the attic without several occupants inside aware of the fire.  By the time the fire was discovered, the house was heavily involved.

AIR CONDITIONERS / FANS  Equipment regardless of what it is needs to be maintained from time to time.  Check units for frayed wires, and keep them clean.  Fans accumulate dust and dirt around the motor which has caused many fires.  Vacuum the fan from time to time to keep the motor clean.  Air conditioner units should be maintained by a qualified A/C technician at least once every two years to make sure it is working efficiently and safely.

ITEMS IN VEHICLES can melt or even explode in some cases.  Any type of aerosol cans should not be left in vehicles, especially in direct sunlight.  Other items, such as video tapes or CDs/DVDs can be damaged.  And small electronic equipment such as cell phones, cameras, DVD players, IPODs and the like can be damaged because of the heat, which can reach as high as 160 degrees in the vehicle.

Here are some other safety tips:

NEVER LEAVE CHILDREN OR PETS IN A PARKED CAR: The temperature can rise to 135 degrees in less than 5 minutes, which can cause death to children or pets. If you see a child or pet unattended in a parked car, you should call 9-1-1 and alert authorities.

MAKE SURE YOU DRINK PLENTY OF FLUIDS: The replacement of fluids during the summer is essential for good health. Water is usually the best fluid. Fruit drinks and sport drinks are also good, but you should drink an equal amount of plain water also.. Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages should be avoided.

MAKE SURE YOUR SKIN IS COVERED OR USE SUN BLOCK: Excessive exposure to the sun has been linked to skin cancer. You can also suffer sunburn from exposure to the sun.

TAKE FREQUENT BREAKS IN A COOL PLACE WHEN WORKING OUTSIDE.

WEAR LIGHT CLOTHING.

HIGH HEAT CAN CAUSE:
A. Dehydration - This means the body is running low on liquids. The first indicator is being thirsty or having a dry mouth and if your urine is extremely concentrated or very dark. These are all indicators that your body is suffering from dehydration. You should replace fluids as quickly as possible. To prevent dehydration, keep drinking fluids, at least eight ounces (one cup of water) every hour. If you are physically active or working outside, you should double your liquid intake.
B. Heat Exhaustion - The victim will suffer dizziness, light-headedness, and sweat profusely. Have the victim rest in a cool place and drink fluids such as water. This condition should clear in a few minutes.
C. Heat Stroke - This is a medical emergency. Usually the person will faint and may become unconscious. Their skin will be hot, red in color and the victim will not be sweating. You should move the victim to a cool place, wet the skin with wet-cool cloths, and do not give the victim anything to drink. Call 9-1-1.
Make sure to check on the elderly during periods of extreme heat and pets.