Thursday, July 30, 2015

Keep Residents Cool This Summer


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.

0 comments:

Post a Comment