Stay safe: Heat, water and fire safety tips

ROSEBURG, Ore. – The Roseburg Fire Department encourages local residents to protect their health during heat waves, stay safe when cooling off in rivers and creeks, and help protect this beautiful city and the surrounding area by doing your part to prevent fires.

The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat watch with temperatures predicted to reach 101 Sunday and 108 Monday, then slowly begin falling from a high near 105 Tuesday and 103 Wednesday and Thursday to 94 Friday. Overnight lows are forecast in the upper 60s.

Sun and heat can lead to increased risks to people’s health as well as fire risk as residents explore local swimming holes, barbecue and work outside.

“With the coming heat wave, residents should be aware and follow these important safety tips,” said Roseburg Fire Chief Tyler Christopherson.

During heat waves, residents are encouraged to stay hydrated; minimize sun exposure or avoid it altogether; don’t overexert in the sun, especially from late morning through early evening; limit alcohol, which dehydrates; and wear sunscreen if you do go outside.

Stay in an air-conditioned room if possible, and check up on relatives and neighbors who may be more at risk. Remember not to leave young children or pets unattended in vehicles under any circumstances.

Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose clothing. Taking a cool shower or bath is a better way to cool off than using a fan when temperatures are in the high 90s or above, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

If you cool off in a creek or river in Roseburg, Christopherson urges people to reduce water-related injuries by remembering water may still be cold even when it’s hot outside. Wear a life jacket, avoid entrapment under submerged objects like trees or rocks, and have a responsible adult present.

The Oregon State Marine Board offers advice for people recreating on waterways:

• Never go in or near the water alone.
• Learn how to float.
• Learn to reach, throw and row when someone falls in the water (reach to them using a branch, oar, towel or other object and pull them to safety; if they’re too far, throw them a personal flotation device or anything else that will float; if a rowboat is available, row to the swimmer and use an oar to pull them to the stern, where they can hold on as you paddle to shore, or simply hold onto them until help arrives if they’re too weak to hold onto the boat).
• Look before you leap.
• Don't overload a boat.
• Stay with your boat.

Christopherson also asks residents to please be extra cautious about preventing fires this summer because drier fuels are easily ignited by discarded cigarettes or such things as sparks from working outside or grinding metal. Be especially careful with any type of fire or combustible material around dry foliage.

“Residents are urged to be extremely cautious when working or recreating outside,” said Christopherson.

Folks grilling outside, either with propane or charcoal, should maintain adequate distance between grills and combustible surfaces. A responsible adult should be present at all times.