Yuma locals prepare for dangerous heat warnings
Madeline Murray
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – According to the Arizona Department of Health Services, heat causes more death that any other weather-related event in the United States.
David Padilla from The Yuma Fire Department (YFD) says, “The summertime, obviously the concrete, the asphalt is extremely hot, but things that people don’t think about, we obviously don’t want them out with their children at the park, all the metal park structures are going to be really hot, but even the outside of vehicles, we set things down on top of vehicles when were loading up, or getting in…wanna make sure that people are careful.”
When in the midst of extreme temperatures, people often do not think about how hot some surfaces can get.
Anything in direct sunlight is going to be extremely hot and should be approached with caution.
We spoke to YFD about cases where people have gotten hurt from hot surfaces.
“There are times when patients fall and what would normally be just a fall under normal circumstances becomes a much bigger emergency because they fall outside on the concrete, if it’s an elderly couple and let’s say wife falls and husband can’t help her up, it’s not just a fall anymore now we’re concerned about burns,” says Padilla.
Remember to stay hydrated and indoors, if possible, in this extreme
Make sure you are staying hydrated, not wearing thick clothing, and finding shade if you are out in the extreme heat.