Phoenix Fire shares heat safety tips as temperatures rise

PHOENIX (3TV/CBS 5) – The warmth is an enormous purpose folks like to stay and go to Arizona, however we must always not downplay it. With temperatures reaching 90 levels in some elements of the state Sunday, the Phoenix Hearth Division wished to remind locals, guests, and hikers about warmth security ideas.

The hotter temps didn’t hold folks from mountaineering Piestewa Peak. Making it to the highest is a bit of cake for Oscar Faivre. “I’ve executed this about 5 instances now, so this might be like my sixth,” mentioned Faivre.

Different hikers welcomed the change in temperature after a few weeks of cool climate. “I like the warmth. I can’t complain. It’s stunning. No complaints,” mentioned Maddie Dean. Nevertheless, Faivre and Dean couldn’t deny noticing the sudden warm-up. “I imply 90 levels can sort of sneak up on you possibly, so you need to nonetheless put together,” mentioned Faivre.

Captain Todd Keller with Phoenix Hearth mentioned Arizonans know what to anticipate in the summertime months, however till we acclimate ourselves, this might be new for all of us. He mentioned it’s necessary for hikers to eat wholesome snacks and drink loads of water earlier than, throughout, and after a hike to assist stop severe points like warmth exhaustion or warmth stroke. “The distinction between warmth exhaustion, is you sweat. You’re changing into flushed and getting dizzy. It’ll progress into warmth stroke and you can develop into unconscious and your physique will really cease sweating,” mentioned Capt. Keller.

To keep away from getting stranded with out water, Phoenix Hearth mentioned hikers ought to name it quits when their bottled water is half empty. “You need to make this a spherical journey ticket. Simply trigger you don’t make it to the highest of the mountain, doesn’t imply it wasn’t a profitable hike,” mentioned Capt. Keller. If you find yourself caught, you’re suggested to keep away from leaving the path. It would make it tougher to your to seek out your approach again to the trailhead and for rescuers to seek out you.

Phoenix Hearth additionally would love hikers to remember the security of their rescuers. “You’re not solely placing your self at risk, you’re placing the firefighters, the primary responders at risk,” mentioned Capt. Keller.

The Phoenix Hearth Dept. had greater than 200 mountain rescues final 12 months and in 2021. We’re informed the town’s new path closure program throughout extreme warmth warnings has been constructive. Nevertheless, the division continues to be knowledge to determine which trails might be off-limits this 12 months.

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