In an effort to promote awareness and safety during extreme heat events, Pottawatomie County Emergency Management marked June 2 as Heat Action Day. Aligning with global health and humanitarian organizations, the county agency used its platform to inform the public on the severe risks associated with heatwaves, often referred to as "silent killers."
According to a post on the Pottawatomie County Emergency Management Facebook page, many individuals fail to recognize the signs of heat-related illnesses, such as heat stroke, until it becomes a dire emergency. Pottawatomie County Emergency Management cautions that when someone is exhibiting symptoms of heat stroke, immediate action is necessary to prevent potentially fatal outcomes.
The Pottawatomie County Emergency Management guidance for handling such situations is clear and direct: "Call 911, get the person into cold water OR apply cold, wet towels to their skin, add ice packs and fan them." These first-aid measures are crucial for stabilizing individuals affected by extreme heat until professional medical assistance arrives.
To assist residents in preparing for the summer heat, the Pottawatomie County Emergency Management team recommends downloading the Red Cross First Aid app, a free resource providing vital information on treating heat illness that's just a few taps away. The app, searchable under "Red Cross" in app stores or accessible via text "GETFIRST" to 90999, is part of a suite of resources available at the Red Cross website to help the community #BeatTheHeat.
