There is an old saying often applied to the states located in the heartland of America. If you don’t like the weather, wait a minute. The midwest is infamous for its rapid weather changes. However, every once in a while there is a break pattern, and we are treated to an extended period of extremely hot and dry weather during the summer, and extremely cold winters.
Hickory County Sheriff Greg Burke has experienced and witnessed the dangers of both extremes. With this in mind he sat down to speak with The Index Newspaper in late August with the intention of educating the public on how to prepare for both. Summer is on its last leg, and Missouri is steadily marching forward into winter.
Hot days are still ahead with chances of extreme heat, but Missouri is steadily marching towards winter, and the chance for severe cold snaps is always possible.
Battling Extreme Heat
“First and foremost, stay hydrated,” Burke advised. “Drink before you feel thirsty. If you’re working outside, take frequent breaks. If you start feeling dizzy, nauseated, or feverish you need to get out of the heat immediately.”
Heat carries with it many dangers ranging from mild nuisances to life-threatening. Sunburns, dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke are possible and can affect people of all ages. It is always wise to pack sunblock and pay attention to heat advisories before leaving home. As with all things health-related, early intervention is crucial. Studying these conditions and knowing the early warning signs are advised.
If you suspect someone to be suffering from heat exhaustion or heat stroke, the first thing to do is call 911. If possible move the person into a shaded or air-conditioned area. Lay them down and elevate their feet. This helps with blood flow. Apply cool compresses such as damp wash cloths to the back of the neck. If they are conscious, encourage them to drink water. Drink slowly, and never guzzle. Always remember cooling someone too quickly can throw a person into shock, which is extremely dangerous. Do not submerge a person who is overheated into cold water.
Burke also went on to stress the importance of eating. He acknowledges that extreme heat can often have a repressive effect on one’s appetite, but noted keeping up on nourishment is crucial in the battle against heat.
If taking part in outdoor activities during the summer, such as hiking or boating, always keep your cell phone on you and charged. This will allow you to call for help and can be used by emergency services to locate you if you’re not sure of your location. Pack bug repellents that are particularly effective against disease-carrying insects such as mosquitoes and ticks. Again, don’t forget your sunscreen, and bring plenty of water for the trip.
Before leaving, inform someone where you plan to go, the route you plan to take getting there, and the approximate time you plan to be back. This ensures a quicker rescue if you become incapacitated in any way and unable to return on your own. It’s always advised that you be familiar with the areas where you will be going, or to go with someone familiar with the area. Stay on marked trails. In the event you become lost while hiking, and staying put is not an option, find and follow power lines, fence lines, or creeks. You may be walking for a while, but it prevents you from walking in circles. These are guaranteed to lead you to somewhere closer to civilization.
Lastly, be cautious about burning brush. Heat tends to lead to dryness. Dryness leads to an increase in fire risks. Pay attention to burn advisories and wind advisories and do not burn during Red Flag Warnings. A Red Flag Warning means that conditions are right that a fire may quickly spread out of control. Even the most experienced individuals with burning off fields and brush may find themselves suddenly in over their heads. If a fire does occur, call 911. Know your address and be able to provide accurate directions to your location. After establishing the nature of your emergency, the first question any dispatcher will ask you is your location.
Battling Extreme Cold
As winter approaches it’s time to start preparing your vehicles. Make sure there are blankets, pocket hand warmers, kitty litter, jumper cables, water, and gas cans in your trunk. In the event of a slide-off, kitty litter can be used to give tires traction allowing you to possibly get back onto the road. If you are unable to get back on the road, blankets, extra coats, and winter clothing can be used to help you stay warm.
“Always keep your gas tank at least half full,” Burke stated. “It costs no more to fill up your tank from half full to full than it does to go from emptyto half. You may be out there for a while, and being able to run your heat for as long as possible can be a lifesaver. Keep your phone on you and keep it charged to call in an emergency.”
He stressed again the importance of following weather advisories, “If they say don’t go outside unless it is an absolute emergency don’t get out.”
If you have to leave your home for any reason during a bout of extreme cold, even if you plan to still be on your property, always tell someone where you are going, what route you will be taking, and when you plan to be back. Much like in the circumstances of extreme heat, if something occurs and you become incapacitated this information can be used to drastically reduce search time and may potentially save your life. If you find yourself roadside in the extreme cold, do not leave your vehicle. You are more likely to be found with your vehicle than you are if you venture away from it. Being near the road means that sooner or later, someone will see you.
When you know that extremely cold weather and winter storms are on their way, stock up on the essentials. Visit the grocery stores ahead of time so you are well prepared. Essentials include water, food, medications, de-icer, and rock salt. Make sure you have enough of these items to last you through the storm. Do not go out in the middle of the storms, or during its immediate aftermath, for these items. Also, remember your pets and do not neglect their essential needs during this time. Make sure they have plenty of food, water, and an appropriate shelter that will protect them against the elements. All animals still need fresh water as much during the cold snaps as they do during the heat waves.
If you have a propane heater, make sure you have plenty of propane and check it frequently throughout the winter. “At least once a month check your propane,” Burke advised. “Make it a habit to check every time you pay your rent or mortgage. Don’t wait until you’re in the middle of a storm to fill your tanks.”
Be careful with your heat sources. Whether they are electrical, wood burning, or propane, make sure everything is in working order before winter arrives. Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors should have their batteries changed every six months and should be replaced at least every 10 years. Doing these checks before winter sets in is a wise decision. Make sure to check your chimneys are clear and clean as well, allowing for proper ventilation. Keep a fire extinguisher in your home and readily available. Don’t plug heating devices into extension cords, and don’t run generators inside of your residence.
As always, know your address. This is essential information to know in the event of an emergency. If you don’t believe you can remember your address, or you have frequent visitors that may not know the address, keep it written down and put it somewhere where it can be quickly and easily accessed, such as on your refrigerator, or by your door with your keys. Be sure that everyone in the home knows where that information can be found.
Be honest with yourself about your physical capabilities. Make sure you are in good health before going out to clear snow or arrange for someone else to do it for you when it becomes necessary. “You wouldn’t believe the number of heart attack calls I have responded to over the years that were caused by the exertion of shoveling snow from their driveway. The risk of falling and breaking bones is always a possibility as well. Another note, if you’re going to be using a chainsaw, please make sure you are experienced with that tool.”
Avoid water that appears frozen. Do not walk on it and do not drive any vehicle onto it. Slips and falls aside as an obvious danger, thin areas in the ice could lead to you falling through and ending up in the water. This can be an extremely dangerous and life-threatening situation.
Lastly, Burke shared his final, and perhaps most important, piece of advice, “Check on your neighbors, particularly if they’re elderly.” Whether dealing with extreme heat or extreme cold, early intervention is always critical and increases the odds of a favorable outcome in an emergency. By checking on your neighbors frequently you might be the only thing that prevents a tragedy.
