Offers Hot Weather Safety Tips
BISMARCK, N.D. – Because of extremely high temperatures across North Dakota this week, the state health department is urging everyone to take precautions to protect their health, according to Dr. Terry Dwelle, state health officer for the North Dakota Department of Health.
“High temperatures for a prolonged period of time like we are experiencing can be dangerous,” said Dr. Dwelle. “Anyone can suffer from heat-related illness, but some people are at a higher risk, especially infants and children to age 4, people 65 and older, people who are overweight and those who have health conditions or take certain medications. In addition, those who exert themselves during work or exercise need to make sure they don’t become dehydrated.”
The Department of Health offers the following hot weather safety tips:
-Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. Avoid liquids that contain alcohol or large amounts of sugar, as they can cause you to lose more body fluid. The best thing to drink is water.
-Protect yourself.
-People at high-risk for heat related illness should stay indoors in an air-conditioned place. If you don’t have air conditioning, go to the shopping mall or public library – even a few hours spent in air conditioning can help your body stay cooler when you go back into the heat.
-Low-income individuals with certain medical conditions who qualify for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) may qualify for cooling assistance. The program can pay for a window air conditioner unit and professional installation. Individuals should contact their county social service office for more information.
– If you are outside, rest often in the shade to give your body a chance to cool down.
-Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun. Apply a sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher 30 minutes before going outside, and reapply while outside according to package directions.
-Beat the Heat, Check the Backseat! One of the biggest weather related risks during the summer months is the possibility of a child dying in a vehicle from heat stroke. Parents and caregivers are reminded to always check the back seat before getting out a vehicle and to never leave children unattended in a vehicle – even for a few moments.
Heat stroke is a serious, life-threatening illness that occurs when the body is unable to regulate its temperature. In heat stroke, the body’s temperature rises rapidly, and the body stops sweating and cannot cool down. Warning signs vary but can include:
An extremely high body temperature (above 103 degrees F, orally)
Red, hot and dry skin (no sweating)
Rapid, strong pulse
Throbbing headache
Dizziness
Nausea
Confusion
Unconsciousness
If you see any of these signs, call 9-1-1 immediately and then try to move the into a cool place and cool the person with water using whatever methods you can (sponging with cool water, placing in a cool shower or a tub of cool water, or spraying with a garden hose).
For more information, contact Dr. John Baird or Dr. Terry Dwelle, North Dakota Department of Health, at 701.328.2372.
Labor Day Closures and
Garbage Collection Schedule
FARGO, N.D. (Aug. 27, 2013) – Non-essential City offices will be closed for the Labor Day holiday on Monday, Sept. 2, 2013. All Fargo Public Library locations will be closed on Sunday, Sept. 1 and Monday, Sept. 2. Solid Waste will collect Monday garbage on Tuesday. The remainder of the week will run on schedule. The Sanitary Landfill will be closed on Monday, Sept. 2.
Truck lands on multiple
parked cars after crashing
FARGO, N.D. (August 26, 2013) – At 8:56 a.m. Monday, August 26, 2013, the Fargo Fire Department responded to a vehicle accident reported as a truck that had hit several parked cars.
The first crews to arrive on scene found a box truck pulling a trailer that was sitting on top of four cars in the parking lot of TrueNorth Steel. One of TrueNorth’s employees was in one of the four cars at the time of the accident. The employee sitting in the car climbed out through a sunroof and was transported by FM Ambulance to the hospital. The truck driver was extricated by the fire department and then transported to Sanford Hospital by FM Ambulance. Crews contended with leaking gasoline and the possibility of live electric wires falling because the truck sheared a pole during the crash.
The extent of injuries for either driver is unknown. Eight parked vehicles were damaged or destroyed in the accident. Excel Energy needed to replace a pole, which caused a temporary power outage in the area. The Fargo Police Department is investigating the cause of the accident so it remains unknown at this time.
Fargo Fire Department responded with 12 personnel on 3 engines, 1 truck, and 1 command vehicle. The Fargo Police Department provided assistance with scene control and the Salvation Army provided assistance with firefighter hydration.
Several drivers passing by the accident were seen taking pictures with their phones. A second accident did occur and a third accident between a cement truck and gasoline tanker almost occurred. The Fargo Fire Department reminds drivers that an accident scene is dangerous for the responders and those passing through it. Please focus on the road.
Fire Department Responds to House
Fire at 749 Countryside Trailer Court
FARGO, N.D. (August 26, 2013) – At 2:02 p.m. Monday, August 26, 2013, the Fargo Fire Department responded to a house fire located at 749 Countryside Trailer Court South in Fargo. The occupant told dispatchers that she saw sparks by the microwave but she did not know if there was a fire.
When the first fire crews arrived on scene, they reported light smoke but no fire. The crews found a fire behind the stove after entering the home. Crews then found fire in the wall that had burned to the outside and underside of the home. The fire was contained to a relatively small area because of the early call to 9-1-1 but it did burn a hole in the wall to the outside. A damage estimate is not available at this time.
The Fargo Fire Department responded with 12 personnel on three engines, one truck, and one command vehicle. The Salvation Army provided assistance. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Fatal Crash – Need Help Locating
On Saturday, August 24, 2013 at approximately 9:45pm the Minnesota State Patrol responded to and investigated a fatal crash on USTH 71 just north of Sauk Centre. A north bound motorcycle’s passenger fell off the motorcycle near the entrance to the Grey Stone Golf Course. The male was then subsequently struck by a passing motorist traveling north bound on Hwy 71. The driver of the striking vehicle did not stop at the scene of the crash. The Minnesota State Patrol is asking for the public’s help in locating the vehicle that had fled the scene of the crash. It is believed that the suspected vehicle sustained damage to the front bumper area. Debris from the scene suggests a Buick Regal as the suspected vehicle. If anyone has any information that would help the investigation, please contact the Minnesota State Patrol St. Cloud District Office at (320) 223-6666.
Fargo Fire Department responds to house fire at 1836 56th. Ave. S. Fargo, ND
FARGO, N.D. (Friday, August 23, 2013) – At 1:13 p.m. the Fargo Fire Department responded to a report of flames and smoke coming from the rear of a single family home at 1836 56th Ave. S. When fire units arrived on scene, flames and heavy smoke were visible from the rear attic area of the home. Firefighters knocked down the fire within an hour.
Two residents were home at the time of the fire. The residents were alerted to the fire by the working smoke detectors and exited the house with 1 dog and called 9-1-1. Firefighters were able to locate a second dog and reunited the pet with its owners. No injuries were reported.
The fire originated on the exterior deck of the house and extended up the vinyl siding into the attic. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. The fire caused extensive damage to the house and contents. Damage to the structure is estimated at $150,000. The heat from the fire caused minor damage to the homes on both sides of the incident.
The Fargo Fire Department responded with 15 personnel on 5 engines, 1 truck company, and 1 command vehicle. The Fargo Police Department, FM Ambulance, The Moorhead Fire Department, the Red Cross, and the Salvation Army also assisted.
The Fargo Fire Department encourages everyone to make sure they have working smoke detectors.