KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Staffers with the Pet Resource Center of Kansas City are patrolling streets to ensure pet safety during extreme heat.

If you can keep dogs inside the house when temperatures are this high, you should. Ensure your pets stay hydrated and have access to fresh water and shade.

The Pet Resource Center of Kansas City can provide cooling items for pet owners who need them.

“We’re out patrolling the community, helping clients that we know have outdoor dogs, talking to them about what a heat stroke looks like, what heat exhaustion looks like, what they must have if they’re going to have their dogs outside,” said Rae Lindsey, outreach and mobile manager for the Pet Resource Center. “So a little bit of patrolling and helping people out in the community, but also checking on folks that we know have pets outside.”

Lindsey said if your pet’s heart rate is high, then they could be experiencing a heat-related illness.

For cats, panting is the most obvious sign of heat exhaustion.

“You never want to cool off a pet too quickly,” Lindsey said. “Kind of like with us, if you’re getting into a heat exhaustion state, you want to cool down slowly. Dogs pant and drool, excessive drooling, lack of being able to hold themselves up, vomiting, and diarrhea are all signs of heat exhaustion. Heat exhaustion also can last 24 to 48 hours.”

During patrols, Pet Resource Center staffers stop by clients’ houses and drop off cooling supplies, including gates and kennels, to facilitate safe indoor environments and water bowls, cooling mats, and other accessories.

“We kept coming out here and making sure there was plenty of water and everything. ” Pet Resource Center Client Brenda Kirkwood said he didn’t eat but drank the water. “It’s complicated because there’s really nowhere for him to go, but just right here, there’s no shade. So that’s his hideaway.”

While on pet patrols, they also educate people on heat safety and the services they offer.
“If you’re going to go out on a walk with your pet, do it first thing in the morning or late in the evening when the sun is set, and it’s a little bit cooler,” Lindsey said. “And if your dog is outside make sure that you’re checking on them regularly to make sure that he’s not having any of those symptoms of heat exhaustion.”

If you have concerns about your pet’s well-being in the summer heat and need assistance, reach out to the pet resource center at outreach@prckc.org.

TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) – Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Office of the State Fire Marshal (KSFM) and Safe Kids Kansas are sharing tips to prevent fireworks injuries on July 4.

According to Safe Kids Kansas officials, in 2023, there were a total of 146 injuries caused by fireworks in Kansas. The person igniting the firework was most likely to be injured, and the hands were the most common body part to be injured. Over half of the injuries that occurred from fireworks that happened on July 4th were from burns. There was a 43 percent increase in reported injuries from 2022.

Safe Kids Kansas said with the exception of two age groups, all saw an increase. Injuries more than doubled for the 14-18 year old age group. The highest incidents of injuries were caused by mortars or artillery fireworks and other fireworks like parachutes, fountains and spinning items. This data was collected through voluntary reporting from Kansas hospitals and administered by the Office of the State Fire Marshal.

“Sparklers are often thought to be safe for young children, but they account for roughly one-quarter of all emergency room visits related to fireworks,” said Cherie Sage, director of Safe Kids Kansas. “Children should not light fireworks, including sparklers, which burn at a temperature hot enough to melt glass. We encourage parents to let their little ones use glow sticks instead of sparklers and leave the rest to grownups.”

Safe Kids Kansas officials said grilling is another favorite part of many summertime gatherings. Make sure grills are used outdoors only, away from the home and deck railings, and out from under eaves and overhanging branches. Keep children and pets away from the grill area and never leave your grill unattended. Clean your grill regularly to prevent grease fires.

“Enjoy a safe and happy July 4th,” said Mark Engholm, State Fire Marshal.  “Always follow firework safety guidelines: keep spectators at a safe distance, never relight malfunctioning fireworks, and have a fire extinguisher or water source ready. When grilling, ensure the grill is on a flat, stable surface away from structures and flammable materials. Let’s celebrate responsibly and protect our community. If possible, go to a public fireworks display.”

Safe Kids Kansas shared tips to keep your celebrations safe on July 4:

• Have adults supervise children and pets around grills and fireworks.
• Designate a child-free safety zone around grills and areas where fireworks are being lit.
• Store fireworks in a cool, dry place.
• Adults should only handle fireworks. Consider giving children glow sticks, which also help you see little ones after dark.
• Have a water supply ready, such as a bucket of water or garden hose.
• Dispose of used fireworks carefully, as they may reignite.
• Keep a first-aid kit available and nearby.
• Ignite fireworks outdoors on a flat surface.
• Light only one firework at a time.
• Never stand over fireworks when lighting or holding a firework in your hand when lighting the fuse and wear eye protection.
• Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully.
• Never attempt to make your own fireworks.

Safe Kids Kansas indicated bottle rockets are illegal and M80 type of “fireworks” are considered explosives, and it is a felony in Kansas to possess, manufacture or use, as well as being extremely dangerous. The use or sale of these banned fireworks and explosives is considered a crime under Kansas law. It is also illegal in Kansas to shoot fireworks on or under any vehicle, on any public roadway, within 50 feet of a fireworks stand or where fireworks are stored, and at gas stations or any place liquid gas – including propane – is stored.

Safe Kids Kansas said always refer to the local ordinances as to whether fireworks are allowed in your area as well as what types.  Some cities or counties have restricted dates/times or types of fireworks that may be sold or discharged.

Safe Kids Kansas noted in addition, out of respect for veterans when it comes to the individual discharge of fireworks, please keep in mind the noise and stress (PTSD) your activities may cause near VA facilities.

For more information on fireworks safety, visit firemarshal.ks.gov/216/ or SafeKidsKansas.org.

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