Hot is what it is, it is officially summer. For us here in the south it stifling at times. Those times are usually June through October and this year is no exception. As I’m writing this the heat index is 104.
When it’s hot it brings on a lot of dangers in our line of work. First off, we are firefighters so it goes without saying we work with fire. Add in the fact that we do this wearing all our turnout gear, it becomes dangerous. We have to watch out for one another, make sure all our brothers and sisters are drinking plenty and aren’t getting to hot. As always, watch each others backs.
As dangerous as it is for us in this heat there are dangers for the public we serve as well. When it gets hot we all inevitably hear of a child left in a car. Be on the lookout for this when you are out with your companies, even pets. It’s twice as hot in a locked car, it is deadly hot when temperatures get this high. Also look closely at the folks you serve, you may see them out walking or working in the heat, you could end up saving someone before you even get the call. A bottle of water or a cool down inside the cab of your apparatus can go a long way.
Were used to it right? We’ll I guess we all believe that we are, be safe out there. We like to say “We walk where the devil dances”, seems really close right now.
Take a look at our site and look around. Our “Squad 666” Tee is as hot as the temperatures outside. Take a look and I think you’ll agree.
Stay cool out there.
Until next time,
Captain K