We had the amazing Sooke Fire Department out to do training with our staff over the staff meeting this morning! The wind cooperated for the most part (we only got blasted back wth the powder a few times). Turns out we have a great place to practice real-life use of the fire extinguishers; our parking lot! 

We learned a few tricks to using the extinguishers and other fire-safety tips. 

• Make sure you have the 5lbs extinguishers (at least) and keep them by the exits. 
• For businesses have them professionally checked yearly (our local Fire department does it for us August every year!)
• For homes, invert or shake them up yearly too(when you change your smoke detector batteries as an example).
• Check they stay pressurized (the needle on the gauge in the green)
• Don't turn your back on a fire! Walk up, then back away.

Stay safe out there!

What is heatstroke?
Heatstroke occurs when your pet’s body temperature rises above the normal range of 38.3-39.2 degrees. Dogs and cats have few sweat glands and cannot cool off by sweating like humans, so they overheat more easily. Pets mainly cool off by panting, as moisture evaporation from the oral cavity helps lower body temperature. Heatstroke most commonly occurs when pets are left outside on hot days, but also can develop if:

• There is high humidity, even if the temperature is lower
• Your pet doesn’t take breaks from playing to cool off
• Your pet doesn’t have adequate access to water in warm temperatures
• Your pet is left in a closed-up house on a hot day with no ventilation or air conditioning
• Your pet is left inside a car, even if it does not seem hot outside

Heatstroke is a dangerous health condition that can cause death if warning signs are not recognized immediately.

Ways to prevent heatstroke

Consider the possibility of heatstroke any time the temperature is above 27C or humidity is high, and take these precautions to keep your pet cool:

• Never leave your pet unsupervised outside on hot days. While you are away, keep your pet indoors with air conditioning (if available). 
• While outside, ensure your pet has access to fresh water, shade, and shelter away from direct sunlight.
• Take your daily walk or jog in the morning, before temperatures reach dangerous levels.
• Never leave your pet alone in a parked car. Heat quickly builds to deadly levels in a closed car, even on sunny days that aren’t hot.
• On hot days, keep brachycephalic breeds, elderly and obese pets, and those with heart or lung disease inside your air-conditioned home except for short outdoor bathroom breaks.
• During the day keep the window blinds down, keep fans on constantly (continuous air flow helps to keep pets cooler). If the temperature drops in the evenings, open the windows, but make sure to close them in the morning as soon as the sun rises. 
• Soak a large bath towel in cool water, ring it out and place it on a tile or vinyl floor (you can put a plastic bag down first) for your pet to lie on
• Give them a quick bath (without soap) or use a cool damp washcloth to wipe down your pet on the belly, inner thighs and armpits
• Allow your pet access to the coolest parts of your home (typically the downstairs/basement).

 
Enjoy the summer safely!