Keep Residents Safe and Cool This Summer

After a comfortable Fourth of July weekend, the heat is fully cranked up here in Chicagoland! Are you taking steps to prevent heat-related emergencies at your facility? We assembled the following list to help you make sure you have all your bases covered. 

Make sure your building is summer-ready 

• Make sure that the temperature in your facility is safe and comfortable.
• Keep residents indoors in the air conditioning during heat waves.
• Close blinds or curtains to keep direct sunlight from entering rooms.
• Turn off unneeded lights (they emit heat).
• Use extra circulating fans to keep to keep air moving within your facility. Avoid using fans directed at individuals when the ambient temperature exceeds 100° F.

Be ready for anything 

• Many states issue Hot Weather Bulletins. Monitor the television or radio for important local heat-related announcements and be sure to follow your state's protocols during warm weather.
• Review your facility's emergency disaster plan. It should include:
• Up-to-date emergency telephone numbers
• Contingency plans in case the facility's air-conditioning system goes out
• An evacuation plan in case residents need to be moved to a "cooling center
• Be aware of the outdoor heat index (a measurement of what the hot weather "feels like") and take appropriate precautions.
• Remember that exposure to full sunshine can increase the heat index by up to 15 degrees.

Keep residents hydrated

• Consider establishing a hydration station in the facility, where water and other fluids are always available to residents and staff.
• Encourage residents to drink plenty of fluids. Water and fruit or vegetable juices are best.
• Offer residents extra fluids at regular intervals.
• Popsicles or freeze-pops are another alternative to fluids.
• If the resident has a fluid restriction, ask the physician for specific orders during hot weather.
• Avoid caffeine or sodas because these cause a person to lose more body fluid.