Tips for high temps

Friday, July 15, 2005 | 10:12 a.m.

With temperatures in the Las Vegas Valley nearing 115 degrees, the risk of fires and heat-related illnesses increases along with the mercury in thermometers. Here are some tips from Las Vegas Fire & Rescue to keep your home and yourself safe:

Be careful if you keep a working refrigerator in your garage or in a storage room that is not cooled by an air conditioner. Temperatures in garages can top 100 degrees, which makes the compressor in the refrigerator work constantly. Even if the compressor is working properly it can still overheat and cause a fire.

Do not use extension cords with refrigerators, freezers or air conditioning units. The cords are not designed to carry the electric load and could heat up and cause a fire.

Use caution when using chemicals such as paint or fuel outside and exposed to sunlight. Flammable chemicals can ignite a fire in a nearby structure.

Check air conditioners and fans for frayed wires and be sure to keep them clean. Dust that accumulates around the motor of a fan has caused many fires. Air conditioners should be checked by a qualified technician once or twice a year.

Items left in vehicles can melt or explode in the heat inside a car, which can reach up to 160 degrees during the summer. Do not leave any type of aerosol in the car, especially in direct sunlight, as it can explode. Small electronic items such as cell phones, cameras, DVD players and iPods can be damaged because of the heat.

Never leave children or pets in the car. Temperatures inside the vehicle can rise to 135 degrees in less than 10 minutes.

Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration. Water is the best fluid. Sports drinks and fruit juices should be used in moderation, but drink an equal amount of water to the fruit or sports drink. Avoid soft drinks, caffeine and alcoholic beverages.

Signs of dehydration include dry mouth and dark-colored urine. Replace fluids as quickly as possible by drinking eight ounces of water every hour. If you smoke or are physically active double your water intake.

Heat exhaustion is characterized by dizziness, light-headedness and excessive sweating. Have the victim rest in a cool place and drink water. The conditions should clear in a few minutes.

Heat stroke is a medical emergency. A person with heat stroke will faint and may become unconscious. His skin will be red, and he will not sweat. Call 911 and move the victim to a cool place and wet the person's skin with cool water.