After two recent weather-related incidents, Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority released a press release reminding residents of the potential dangers of hot weather.

The release outlined the incidents about a person who was injured and had to be air-lifted to a local hospital after nearly drowning on the Cedar River near Flaming Geyser Park while rafting. The other incident involved two children who died from the heat after becoming trapped in a vehicle in Texas.

If on the water this weekend or at any time throughout the summer, remember:

• Wear a fitted, Coast Guard approved, life jacket
• Supervise children
• Don’t mix alcohol and water activities
• Avoid using inexpensive rafts on moving water
• Rapids, very cold water, and branches or logs can all turn a fun day into a tragedy

Never leave children in vehicles unattended at any time, but especially in sunny weather.

• It doesn’t have to be hot. Days in the 70s produce enough heat to be a danger to children in
• a car
• Cracking open a window doesn’t help. The heat is radiated from the interior, so a slight
• breeze won’t have much of an effect
• Kids dehydrate quickly and their bodies do not compensate for heat as well as an adult
• If you concerned about unattended children in a car, call 911 immediately
• Remember that pets can suffer from being left in a vehicle as well

One common cause of children being left in a vehicle is that the person with them forgets about them. Drivers who have a change in routine, don’t normally transport a child, or are trying to juggle too many things at the same time are all reasons that this tragedy happens.

• Put your purse or other often-used item in the back seat next to the child to remind you
• they’re there.
• Make sure daycares and schools contact you if your child doesn’t arrive at their scheduled
• time.
• Set reminders on your electronic calendar
• Call your spouse to remind them