Over the past few days the Houston Fire Department’s Special Events Team, under the office of the HFD Homeland Security and Planning Division, have been involved in planning meetings in anticipation of today’s high heat index and large crowds for the Funeral Remembrance of George Floyd.
The Houston Fire Department has staffed medical professionals within the service footprint along with a medical triage tent and a cooling station. The HFD has also coordinated with the American Red Cross to provide hydrating stations for all participants. Along with the 102 emergency transport units staffed every day in the City, the HFD has added six additional transport units and four rapid medical response units staged at nearby location of the funeral service and other coordinated events. The HFD “Ambus”, a multiple patient transport vehicle/bus, is also available at the location if needed.
Currently, the cooling tent, hydration station and medical staff have managed to reduce patient transports from the George Floyd Funeral Services down to two patients, despite the City’s high-heat index and crowds estimated in the 10-15 thousand.
If you are considering in participating in any of the upcoming George Floyd Remembrance Services, please follow the summer safety tips below.
• Drink plenty of water and electrolyte-replacement beverages.
• Avoid beverages or food sources with caffeine, alcohol or large amounts of sugar.
• Wear wide-brimmed, loose-fitting hat that allows ventilation to help prevent sunburn and heat-related emergencies.
• Wear sunscreen to reduce the risk of sunburn.
For more summer safety tips visit www.houstonfire.org
BE SAFE HOUSTON!