As valley temperatures rise, take care to stay safe.
It’s June in the desert and that means hot weather likely is here for the duration of the summer.
Taking steps to stay safe during extreme heat is important. Nationally, close to 700 people per year die from heat-related conditions. A person caught unprepared can go from fine to in serious distress in a few quick moments in our harsh environment.
So far this year, rescue crews have been called out about a half-dozen times to help hikers lost or stranded on trails in the mountains above Coachella Valley cities. Those incidents become more dangerous – both to the victims as well as their rescuers – as temperatures climb.
Those new to our area will get a taste of the desert’s extremes in the coming days, with Palm Springs temperatures expected to hit 114 degrees over the weekend. In preparation, officials say they’ll open cooling centers – complete with water, snacks and other supplies – earlier than usual this year.
Other regional authorities are also looking at smart ways to boost resources related to summer conditions and potential calamities.
The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department this week began testing drones in Thermal this week for use in search and rescue situations.
Authorities have launched a year-long trial of the remotely operated aerial eyes that they hope will free up ground resources to more effectively search for missing people.
“It gets pretty hot here in the desert and time is of the essence, especially in the Coachella Valley when there’s lost hikers because the weather is extreme and can lead to death very quickly,” Chief Deputy Kevin Vest told The Desert Sun’s Anna Rumer.
Not every person who might underestimate the threat from our heat is a lost or stranded hiker, however. Life goes on in our desert year-round as we all continue getting in rounds of golf or tennis matches or have to tackle outdoor chores like cleaning the pool or tidying up the landscaping.
Children and the elderly are particularly at risk to heat-related illnesses, as are people who spend much of their time outside for work.
Stay safe this summer by following some basic steps:
Know the signs of heat-related conditions, such as heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat rash and dehydration.
Act quickly when you or someone in your party begins to show signs of distress, rather than finishing up that back nine or pushing on along the trail.
Always carry plenty of water, especially for hikes that take you away from town into remote wilderness. Carry a cell phone and let someone know where you are going and when you’ll be back. Make sure you’ve got what you need to protect yourself from the sun and elements, like a hat, clothing that provides cover and proper footwear to help avoid injury.
Be smart. That morning walk you can confidently take solo in the winter will be a much different experience under 115-degree sunshine when you twist an ankle. Pair up for safety.