Safety Council

Engage Estero Safety Council is made of volunteers serving as a voice for the citizens of greater Estero on safety and transportation priorities and issues. We advocate for related solutions to Village, County, and State Government organizations.

Latest news…
Road Safety in Greater Estero

Road Safety in Greater Estero

Road Safety in Greater Estero By Contributing Author, Mark Novitski, and Engage Estero Consultant.  Everyone has their definition of what determines road safety or, conversely, what makes our roads unsafe. In writing extensively about Corkscrew Road, I have...

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Sign-Up for Property Fraud Alerts

Sign-Up for Property Fraud Alerts

Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comprtroller Kevin Karnes is now offering an alert notification system for Lee County property owners to reduce fraud. When you sign-up, if a deed, mortgage, or other non-Court official record is recorded in your name, you will be...

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Environment Council

Engage Estero Environment Council is a volunteer group focusing on improving water and air quality and mitigating and eliminating the effects of climate warming in greater Estero.

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Health Council

Engage Estero Community Health Council comprises health* and safety-minded volunteers who think about community health comprehensively with a common desire to improve the overall health of the citizens of greater Estero.

Latest news…
Let’s Make Estero A HeartSafe Community!

Let’s Make Estero A HeartSafe Community!

The facts Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is the leading cause of death in the United States, claiming more than 300,000 lives annually. Approximately 95 percent of SCA victims die before they reach a hospital or receive medical attention. How Can We Help Reduce This...

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Education Council

Engage Estero mobilizes volunteers in our schools, sponsors scholarships, and promotes the involvement of the community through announcements and public forums.

Latest news…
Estero High Cambridge Students Recognized

Estero High Cambridge Students Recognized

By Mike Wasson, Director, Engage Estero The Village of Estero Council issued a Proclamation its Meeting on Wednesday, March 6th honoring 39 Estero High School Students who were presented the Cambridge Outstanding Learners Awards. In his remarks, Jon McLain, Village of...

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Updates on Issues of Impact

Engage Estero believes the best way to get a community involved is to make sure they are aware of the issues impacting their future, and know how to impact those decisions before they are made. We conduct and publish original research and articles aimed at getting residents Engaged.

Be Mindful of the Dangers In the Summer’s Heat.

Prepared by Mark Ruset, Co-Chairman Engage Estero Safety Council

As summer approaches and the days get longer, the dangers of working outside during hot weather also increase. Knowing how to work safely in hot weather can help prevent heat stress injuries1 and heat stroke. According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), heat stroke is the most severe heat-related disorder.

It occurs when the body can no longer control its temperature. The body temperature can rise to 106 degrees Fahrenheit or higher within 10 to 15 minutes, and heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not provided. Other heat-related disorders include heat exhaustion, heat cramps, and heat rash.

When driving in your cool air-conditioned vehicle, be mindful that when you have stopped and parked, DO NOT leave anyone (grown-up or child), including pets, in your vehicle, even if you think it will only be for a few minutes. “A child’s body temperature rises three to five times faster than an adult, and when a child is left in a hot vehicle, the situation could become life-threatening very quickly,” says JJ Miller, safety adviser with AAA East Central.

A reported twenty-five children died in hot cars in 2020, a death was reported as early as April, and tragedies continued into November2. Animals can die of heat stroke within 15 minutes, and cracking open a window DOES NOT HELP! During hot weather, leave your pet at home!

Heat Illness:

Symptoms and Prevention of Heat-Related Disorders

Heat Stroke

  • Dry, hot reddish skin and lack of sweating
  • High body temperature
  • Strong, rapid pulse
  • Chills
  • Confusion
  • Slurred speech

Heat stroke occurs when the body no longer sweats, and body temperature reaches dangerous levels.

    heat stroke

    Heat exhaustion

    • Excessive sweating
    • Weakness or fatigue
    • Dizziness and/or confusion
    • Clammy skin
    • Muscle cramps
    • Flushed complexion

    Heat exhaustion is the body’s response to the loss of water and salt, typically through sweating.

    Heat cramps

    • Muscle pain, usually in the abdomen, arm, or legs.
    • Muscle spasms are usually in the abdomen, arm, or legs.

    Heat cramps are painful cramps in the body’s muscles due to low salt levels and are typically caused by excessive sweating.

    Heat Rash

    • Red cluster of pimples or small blisters
    • Usually on the neck and upper chest, groin area, under the breasts, and elbow creases.

    Heat Rash is an irritation of the skin caused by excessive sweating. 

    Ten Hot Weather Safety Tips

    1

    Stay Hydrated

    Drink plenty of fluids; drink about sixteen ounces before starting and 5 to 7 ounces every 15 or 20 minutes.

    2

    Avoid dehydrating liquids

    Alcohol, coffee, tea, and caffeinated soft drinks can hurt more than help.

    3

    Wear protective clothing

    Lightweight, light-colored, and loose-fitting clothing helps protect against heat. Change clothing if it gets completely saturated.

    4

    Pace yourself

    Slow down and work at an even pace. Know your limits and ability to work safely in the heat.

    5

    Schedule frequent breaks

    Take time for rest periods and water breaks in a shaded or air-conditioned area.

    6

    Use a damp rag

    Wipe your face or put it around your neck.

    7

    Avoid getting sunburn

    Use sunscreen and wear a hat if working outside.

     

    9

    Avoid direct sun

    Find shade or block out the sun if possible.

    8

    Be alert to signs of heat-related illness

    Know what to look for and check on other workers that might be at high risk.

    10

    Eat smaller meals

    Eat fruits high in fiber and natural juice. Avoid high protein foods.

    The Engage Estero wishes you a delightful summer but be mindful of the dangers of being out in the sun too long, and do not leave any children or pets in your vehicle, even briefly in the summer heat.

     

     

    References

    1. Hot! Hot! Hot! Preventing Heat Illness, Pat O’Brien, Society Insurance Senior Risk Control Representative. https://societyinsurance.com/blog/hot-hot-hot-working-in-warm-conditions/
    2. Children, Pets, and vehicles. https://www.weather.gov/safety/heat-children-pets