Local first responders are seeing first-hand the effects of the heat. They're seeing a big increase, in heat-related calls.
While many people are really enjoying this heat, for others it can be down right dangerous.
In fact, Emergycare says they're seeing a big increase, in heat-related calls, like difficulty breathing, and heart and diabetic-related problems.
"People that are elderly or in poor health are more susceptible than the healthy people that are around. So there is an increase of those calls coming to us here in Emergycare and Erie county with those type of heat-related emergencies." Said Harry Latta, Supervisor with Emergycare.
The Erie fire department says, they're seeing too, "With the temps the way they are now, we get a lot of calls for heat exhaustion, dehydration, particularly amongst the elderly, they're more susceptible to it." Said Mike Balliett with the Erie Fire Department.
First responders say to avoid things like heat exhaustion, try to stay out of the heat, and drink plenty of water, "Get out of the heat. If you don't have to be in the heat, get in the shade. If you live in a 2-story home and your rooms are upstairs, if you can get down the lower part of the house, to stay cool, do. Get in air conditioning if you can." Said Latta.
And while they advise you to keep cool, it's a priority for them as well.
Erie fire fighters wear and carry 60-plus pounds of gear, and when they respond to an emergency, especially a fire, it gets hot.
So heat exhaustion and dehydration in this weather, becomes a major concern.
"Above all we try to make sure there's enough personnel on hand to rotate the crews in and out. We do have a rehab van that we'll bring down to the scene that's air conditioned, we can rotate crews in and out of there." Said Balliett.
"Police departments, fire departments, EMS, we never stop. It doesn't matter if it's snow outside, or if it's rain, or with this heat that we're having, we need to keep going. And we need to keep our crews well-hydrated during these emergency calls." Said Harry Latta, Supervisor with Emergycare.
Latta says if you're sweating a lot, replenish with plenty of water, and if you stop sweating in this heat, seek emergency care.
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