Highlights | Summer safety
- Extreme summer weather poses safety concerns.
- Keep yourself and patients safe by practicing and sharing tips for excessive heat, wildfire smoke and water safety.
- Stay informed and be proactive; read the tips and resources below.
A message from the UW Medicine Emergency Preparedness Team.
As the summer season approaches, it’s time to prepare for the potential of increasing temperatures and wildfire smoke. Stay informed and proactive with these tips for excessive heat, wildfire smoke and water safety. Use these tips at work (and home) and share with patients as appropriate.
Heat
- Stay updated on the 7-day forecast.
- Close all blinds.
- Keep windows closed.
- Turn off or dim lights (when safe to do so).
- Keep yourself and your patients well-hydrated.
- Watch for signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
- Do not use extension cords to plug in fans.
- Please escalate heat concerns to your manager.
- If you are working outside, take regular breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas to prevent heat-related illnesses.
Wildfire smoke
- Stay updated on air quality reports, especially in areas prone to wildfire smoke.
- Follow these steps for dealing with wildfire smoke and air quality issues.
- If air quality is poor, minimize outdoor exposure, especially for individuals with respiratory conditions.
- Consider using air purifiers indoors to reduce exposure to smoke particles.
- Learn how to make your own clean air filter.
Water
- Learn about water safety for lakes, rivers and beaches.
