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The record breaking heat the Las Vegas Valley may experience this weekend 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 valley 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.
Extension cords cause many fires if used with appliances. Extension cords should not be used with refrigerator/freezer or air conditioning units. If the appliances 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.
Use caution with chemicals. Any chemicals that are left exposed to direct sunlight in extreme heat can cause a fire. Paints, fuels, etc., can cause explosions in some cases. One house on the north side of the city was completely destroyed because the occupant was painting (art painting) on the 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 becoming aware of the fire. By the time the fire was discovered, the house was heavily involved with flames.
Maintain 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 can should not be left in vehicles, especially in direct sunlight. Other items, such as videotapes or CDs/DVDs can be damaged. Small electronic equipment such as cell phones, cameras, DVD players, IPODs, etc., can be damaged because of the heat inside the vehicle, which can reach as high as 160 degrees.
Never leave children or pets in a parked car. The temperature can rise to 135 degrees in less than 10 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. Leaving children unattended is against the law.
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 are also good. Sport drinks are also good, but you should drink an equal amount of plain water with sport drinks. 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 cloths, and do not give the victim anything to drink. Call 9-1-1.
Make sure to check on the elderly during periods of extremely high heat.
Remember that pets also suffer due to the heat.
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