SOUTHWICK/GRANVILLE – Western Massachusetts has been in the grips of a heat wave since June 29, nearly a week.
One municipal department that is heavily affected by the heat are fire departments. When battling fires, firefighters are always warned to stay hydrated.
Members of the Southwick Fire Department battle a blaze in July of 2015. (WNG File Photo)
“Dehydration isn’t something you can catch up on,” said Southwick Fire Chief Russ Anderson. “We try to stress that people get plenty of water.”
Anderson also added that firefighters are wearing 50 to 60 pounds of gear and it doesn’t make it any easier for them.
“Unfortunately, it doesn’t tend to let a lot of body heat out,” said Anderson.
In an effort to help reduce fire risks, Anderson discussed the common causes of fires during a heat wave. During the hot temperatures, use of air conditioners and fans can last for extended amounts of time.
“People run the possibility of overloading units that haven’t been plugged in there previously,” said Anderson.
If too many things are plugged into an extension cord that may not be rated for that amount, it could be a fire hazard.
“That would probably be the biggest safety concern at this point,” said Anderson.
Besides firefighters, EMT’S (Emergency Medical Technicians) also deal with the extreme temperatures and respond to many people that experience complications.
Rebecca Velky, who is an EMT for the Granville Fire Department, acknowledged that if someone’s body temperature goes past 98.6 degrees, the body can start to lose some of its functions.
“The body is a very resilient machine that is also very fragile,” said Velky.
Dehydration can cause people to get confused and possibly pass out.
“It should really be taken as a warning sign for anyone,” said Velky.
If anyone has comments or questions about dangers of a heat wave, the Granville Fire Department can be contacted at 413-357-8572. The Southwick Fire Department can be reached at 413-569-6363.
