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Crime & Safety

How To Stay Safe During The Heatwave

Keep your pets and yourself cool and safe.

With temperatures creeping close to 100 degrees this week, and humidity making the air feel much hotter, Minneapolis officials and the Animal Humane Society are offering suggestions on how to prevent heat sickness in yourself and your four-legged friends.

For humans, the city is asking residents to remain inside if at all possible (an offering a list of public, air-conditioned buildings for those in need). Other ways to stay safe during the heat wave include:

  • Wear light, loose-fitting clothing
  • Drink extra fluids
  • Never leave a person (such as your child or an older relative) in a locked vehicle parked outside.
  • Don't rely on an electric fan to prevent heat sickness. Instead, use wet cloths or spray a mist of water on your skin.
  • Most importantly, make sure to check on elderly or vulnerable relatives and neighbors at least twice a day. Seek medical advice immediately if you notice nausea, weakness, disorientation, rapid pulse and dry skin.

For your pets, the AHS is suggesting the following steps:

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  • Never leave your pet unattended in the car.
  • Limit exercise to cooler times of the day such as mornings or evenings. Take extra care with older pets, overweight pets and short nosed dogs.
  • Keep in mind that asphalt gets very hot and can burn your pet’s paws.
  • On really hot days, leave your pet inside with the air conditioning on and plenty of water. If your dog must be left outside, leave him in the shade with plenty of fresh, cool water in a tip proof bowl.
  • Keep your pet well groomed. A matted coat traps in heat. Resist the temptation to shave off your pet’s hair in an effort to keep him cool.  Your pet’s coat will protect him from getting sunburned.
  • If your dog must travel in the back of an open vehicle, make sure it is in a kennel that is tethered to the floor of the truck bed.
  • Keep an eye out for spots or puddles of auto coolant. The sweet taste of this poisonous liquid is attractive to pets but can be fatal.
  • Keep your pet away from lawns and grassy areas that have just been treated with chemicals.
  • Never leave your pet unattended by a swimming pool. Not all dogs naturally swim and the dog may drown.
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