Cuyahoga County Office of Emergency Management

Rip currents are a common hazard on Lake Erie.

If you are heading out to enjoy the lake this summer check the weather forecast before you go. Pay special attention to any beach hazard statements.

If you are caught in rip current it is important to remain calm. Rip currents do not pull you under.

Do not fight or swim against the current. Swim out of the current parallel to the shore. When you are out of the rip current you can begin to swim back towards the shore.

If you cannot get out of the current yell or wave for assistance.

If you head outside in the heat today, remember to stay hydrated, take frequent breaks in the shade, and look out for signs and symptoms of heat illness like dizziness, nausea, and headache.

Temperatures on the rise today, except less noticeable adjacent to the lakeshore thanks to an east/northeast wind off Lake Erie. Chances for rain will return late today into tonight, and then increase Tuesday.

It's time to fire up your grill, but make sure you do it safely. 🌭🍔

Only use your grill outdoors, and do not light a gas grill with the cover closed.

Create a 3ft safety zone around your grill, and keep it away from siding, decks, and eaves.

Clean your grill after each use to prevent buildup of grease.

If using a charcoal grill, after cooking your food place the coals and ash in a metal can with a lid once they have cooled.

There is a slight risk of severe thunderstorms tomorrow afternoon. Keep this in mind as you head outdoors to hike, bike, and play sports this weekend!

Remember THERE IS NO SAFE PLACE OUTDOORS IN A THUNDERSTORM!! Have a plan for where you will shelter if you do go out on Saturday. This could be a metal-roofed car or a hard structure building. A picnic shelter is NOT a safe place to shelter.

Stay informed about severe weather by signing up for ReadyNotify alerts at ReadyNotify.us

Warm, dry, and breezy today. A cold front approaches the region on Saturday with scattered strong to severe storms developing in the afternoon and evening. There is a Slight Risk (Level 2/5) for severe thunderstorms. High pressure builds back overhead for Sunday.

AEDs save lives, but only if you know where to find them.

This CPR and AED Awareness Week CCOEM challenges you to locate AEDs throughout your workplace. Do you know where the closest AED is to your desk? Your cafeteria or break room? Your conference room?

Ideally, you should be able to get to an AED and back to where it is needed within three minutes. Time yourself and your coworkers to see how long it takes for you.

For more information about how AEDs save lives and classes on how to properly use an AED visit the Northeast Ohio Chapter of the American Red Cross at https://www.redcross.org/take-a-class

❤️ This week is CPR and AED Awareness Week ❤️

CPR is an essential life-saving skill to keep in your emergency tool kit. When CPR is delivered in the first minutes following a cardiac arrest, the likelihood of survival increases significantly.

The Northeast Ohio Chapter of the American Red cross offers CPR classes both online and in-person. Find a class that works for your schedule by visiting https://www.redcross.org/take-a-class

Everyone should take caution during extreme heat, but some groups are more at risk than others. Pregnant women, newborns, children, seniors, those who work outdoors, and those with chronic illnesses are at a greater risk of heat related injury and illness.

If you are in one of these groups, or head outdoors with someone who is make sure to stay hydrated. Take frequent breaks in the shade or air-conditioned buildings.

Know the signs and symptoms of heat related injury and be able to recognize them in others.

For more heat safety information, and a link to cooling centers open across Cuyahoga County visit https://cuyahogacounty.gov/extremeheat

It's warming up Cuyahoga County!

As you head outdoors this summer keep the signs and symptoms of heat-related illness and injury in mind.

Symptoms like muscle cramps, dizziness, headaches, weakness, and nausea could indicate a heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

If you notice these symptoms in yourself or someone else move out of the heat into the shade or a cool, air-conditioned place.

Sip chilled water or a sports drink with electrolytes. No caffeine or alcohol.

Remove any heavy or tight fititng clothing.

If symptoms do not improve seek medical attention.

Heading outdoors for sports and other activities this summer? Keep these summer safety tips in mind.

- Dress for the weather. Light colored, loose fitting clothing will help you stay cool.
-Take breaks. Especially during periods of high heat or in direct sunlight.
-Stay hydrated.
-Check the air quality. Children and those with health problems like asthma are especially at risk.
-If you hear thunder, there is lightning. Find shelter immediately in an enclosed building or hard-topped vehicle.

Lake Erie hasn't warmed up yet. Cold-water immersion is the cause of many boating rleated fatalties.

If you head out on Lake Erie this spring make sure to always wear a life jacket. Check the forecast before you go and dress for the water temperature, not the air temperature.

If you fall into the cold water DON'T PANIC!

The cold water will cause an involuntary gasp reflex. It is important to regain control of your breathing and keep your head above water.

Always bring a change of dry clothes with you.

Be aware of the signs and symptoms of hypothermia.