Students soak up fountain of relief thanks to YFD

 In spite of heat topping 100 degrees, some lucky students enjoyed the outdoors, thanks to the Yuma Fire Department recently.

  Students at Sunrise Elementary School were able to chill when YFD fire engine No. 5 arrived on campus. Capt. Peter Dominguez, engineer Arthur Patrick and firefighter Mario Mendez opened their water cannon for nearly an hour.

  More than 200 fourth- and fifth-grade students were delighted by the cooling spray, said Ed Richardson, Sunrise principal.

  "It was an end-of-the-year celebration. We had various water activities for each of the grades throughout the week. The parents, teachers and kids all had a wonderful day and we appreciated the fire department coming out."

  High temperatures and physical exertion can combine to bring on heat illness, said Kayla Holiman, YFD fire inspector. The body's cooling system relies on its ability to stay properly hydrated.

  "The water sprayed for the children provided a cooling mechanism," Holiman said. "There was also plenty of water and beverages to quench their thirst."

  But Yuma will be experiencing the intense heat for the next several months and while the YFD wants residents to enjoy themselves, YFD also want residents to take proper precautions, she said.

  The most important thing is to stay hydrated. People need to increase their water intake before they get thirsty because otherwise they will get behind, she noted. Adults need about one gallon of water per day. And it is best to avoid caffeinated or alcoholic beverages as those can actually dehydrate the body.

  "In Yuma it's important to stay inside during the hottest part of the day, from about 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.," Holiman said. "But if you can't avoid it, have a shady place to retreat to."

  She also advised decreasing physical activity outdoors, if possible. But adults especially need to keep an eye on children because they have a tendency to go nonstop and neglect to take breaks in the summer heat.

  But should anyone overdo it, they need to look for symptoms of heatstroke or heat exhaustion, with the former being the more severe emergency. Signs of heatstroke may include high body temperature (above 103 degrees), possible fever, weak pulse, hot skin, possible fainting, difficulty breathing or if the body stops sweating altogether.

  Heat exhaustion, meanwhile, could include nausea, weakness, dizziness, profuse sweating, possible headache and clammy skin. And anyone can be affected by summer sun, even those who have lived in Yuma for decades.

  Should anyone fall victim to heat exhaustion, it is best to be cautious and telephone 911, Holiman said. While waiting for a first responder to arrive, remove the person from direct sunlight, preferably indoors or at least to a shady area.

  Vicki Armer, registered nurse with the Yuma County Public Health Department, advised wearing sunscreen every day, even when the sky is overcast. And a wide- brimmed hat shields the scalp, ears and neck while sunglasses block out UVA and UVB rays. She also recommended long sleeves and trousers, and those with a tight weave and dark colors provide the most protection.

  "Remember the shadow rule, if you can't see your shadow then you need to seek the shade," Armer cautioned.

  She said the majority of children's lives are spent outside before they graduate high school. Any change in the natural color of their skin after time outside indicates damage from the sun's rays. And all people regardless of skin or eye color are equally at risk to eye damage from overexposure to the sun.

  "It's really important to be proactive, know your limitations and prepare adequately," Holiman stressed.

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William Roller can be reached at wroller@yumasun.com or 539-6858.