Local fire department prepared for summer heat calls

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - The summer is in full effect with high temps expected this Fourth of July weekend.

Rural Metro Fire said it's ready for the summer and is taking extra steps to be prepared when heat illness calls comes in.

That includes keeping their units stocked with water and medical essentials ensuring their fire crews are alert and ready to go at any time.

“Fires, medical calls that are gonna take a long time or people are going to be out for a while we have that cold water on hand, as well as shade structures, calling fans, cooling rags, we’re carrying all of that to have as much as possible at our fingertips to use to keep our guys safe," said Kurt Nelson of Rural Metro Fire.

Rural Metro has been on eight heat-related health calls already this summer.

Dehydration is a major heat issue that if left untreated can lead to an emergency.

Especially if you're going to be outside doing any kind of activity.

Medical experts advise to drink lots of water to prevent a heat illness.

"By the time our bodies start losing water internally we may not notice it, by the time we start getting thirsty it's actually too late it means the internal organs have already lost water for us to start having the symptoms of being thirsty," said Dr. Uche Olekanma of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona.

Drinking fluids with electrolytes is also highly recommended.