Summer is in full swing, with temperatures  in the valley soaring above 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Students and locals alike are seeking reprieve from the heat and dreading the potential consequences upon themselves and the environment around them.

Keeping the blaze at bay

Fire is one of these potential consequences. With several nearby wildfires already in action, the threat is prevalent. However, John Sinclair, Chief of Kittitas Valley Fire and Rescue, said many people aren’t willing to consider themselves at risk.

“People always think, ‘It’s never going to happen to me,’” Sinclair said. But it can, and it does.

There are numerous online resources regarding fire prevention and emergency preparedness, Sinclair said. One of these is the Ready, Set, Go! (RSG!) Program, whose philosophy and objective is plainly stated on the homepage of their website:

“The RSG! Program tenets help residents be Ready with preparedness understanding, be Set with situational awareness when fire threatens, and to Go, acting early when a fire starts.”

Some things residents can do to create a “defensible space” around their homes is to keep their yards well-watered and trimmed back—this includes hedging and mowing regularly. This kind of maintenance will eliminate an easy path for a fire to follow.

“So it doesn’t jump from the bushes, to the trees, to the house,” Sinclair said.

At the time of building, homeowners should mind the type of materials used, especially roofing. Composite and tile roofs stand a better chance than cedar, Sinclair said.

Simple things, like keeping your home cool and minimizing electrical load, also go a long way. Keep blinds and windows closed throughout the day and open them up at night, run fans to keep the air moving, and turn off lights and appliances when they are not needed, Sinclair said.

What to do when fire strikes

Fire can happen to anyone, and it is important to be prepared, no matter how unlikely it seems.

Sinclair said one of the most important things is to have a set plan. Have a kit ready in a backpack or other bag that can be easily grabbed and transported, and know where your family or housemates are going to meet.

Also, make sure valuables and medications are easily accessible and on hand. Electronics, chargers, flashlights and batteries should also be taken.

There are many evacuation lists available online, Sinclair said. FEMA and the Red Cross both have good ones.

“Make sure you can leave quickly, if need be,” Sinclair said.

Heat and health

Heat creates not only fires, but health problems as well. In addition to the dangers of heat stroke, certain diseases, such as diabetes and COPD (Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease,) can be worsened in high temperatures, Sinclair said.

“Heat acts as a sort of multiplier of that,” Sinclair said.

Sinclair also said a lot of it has to do with “common-sensical things,” like drinking a lot of water and eating fresh fruits and vegetables.

“It’s one of those things we like to remind people of,” Sinclair said. “Our bodies require fuel, and that’s something we tend to forget. One of the basic principles is that we need to drink water.”

Sinclair said oftentimes, it can even come down to having to force oneself to drink enough water. But in addition, beverages like coffee and soda should be avoided, as the caffeine dehydrates the body. Sports drinks are also not ideal.

“Unless you’re an athlete, sports drinks are too strong for most people,” Sinclair said.

Heat health and Central students

Many people in this heat want to turn to cold beer and other alcoholic beverages, but this is another dangerous mix.

“Remember that alcohol is a very potent diuretic,” Sinclair said. “That’s why it makes you have to urinate so often. While you’re partying, drink water.”

Sinclair also reiterates the importance of drinking water upon waking, to replenish the body’s water supply.

Athletes need to take extra precautions to stay hydrated, Sinclair said, so they don’t start to weaken mid-game because of inadequate nutrition.

But one of the deadliest mistakes people can do in the summer heat is to mix alcohol with water—that is, to drink while swimming, floating, boating, or doing other water-related activities.

This is especially pertinent in regards to the Yakima River, which has scores of “natural filtration” on its bed, consisting of fallen trees and growing vegetation, Sinclair said. This debris is good for fish and other wildlife, but is bad for anyone who falls in.

“If they’re going to drink and float down the river, that’s typically a bad idea,” Sinclair said. “We have people every year who drown in the river.”