Stay Safe This Summer—and Beyond

Summer is approaching, and so are higher temperatures. As the days get hotter, here are some general tips from FEMA to avoid heat-related illness:

• Never leave people or pets in a closed car on a warm day. 
• If air conditioning is unavailable in your home during extreme heat, go to a location that has air conditioning. 
• Take cool showers or baths. 
• Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing. 
• Use your oven less to help reduce the temperature in your home.  
• If you are outside, find shade. Wear a hat wide enough to protect your face.  
• Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.  
• Avoid high-energy activities or work outdoors during midday heat, if possible. 
• Check on family members, older adults, and neighbors. 
• Watch for signs of heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. 
• If your pet is outside, make sure they have plenty of cool water and access to shade. Asphalt and dark pavement can be very hot and can injure your pet’s paws.

Visit FEMA's #SummerReady page for more tips.

Situational Awareness and Safety

In addition to higher temperatures, summer also means more time outdoors and busier parking areas, making it a good time to refresh our focus on personal safety. Carilion Police and Security has tips to help you stay aware of your surroundings, take simple precautions, and use available resources to help keep yourself and others safe.

Use these reminders to support safe routines at work and beyond—whether you are arriving for a shift, walking to your vehicle, or reporting a concern.

• Stay aware of your surroundings and limit distractions while walking through parking areas, garages and entrances.
• Trust your instincts. If a situation feels unsafe, move to a secure location and contact help right away.
• Save your facility’s Carilion Police contact information in your phone so support is easy to reach when you need it. Contact information is shown in the sidebar box at the top right of this article.

Protect Yourself on the Move

• Lock your vehicle every time you leave it, even if you will only be away for a few minutes.
• Close windows completely and keep purses, bags, electronics, and other valuables out of sight.
• Park in well-lit, busy areas whenever possible.  

Walk With Others or Request an Escort

• When possible, walk with a companion—especially during early morning, evening, or overnight hours. There is safety in numbers. 
• If you are unable to find a walking partner, remember that our Police and Security team offers escorts to and from your vehicle. Do not hesitate to use this service to ensure your safety.  

If You See Something, Say Something 

• Report suspicious activity, safety concerns or unusual behavior to Carilion Police and Security immediately. Your vigilance can make a significant difference. 
• Do not approach suspicious individuals or situations. Observe from a safe distance and provide detailed information to our Police and Security team.   

By staying alert, taking simple precautions, and speaking up when something seems wrong, each of us can help create a safer environment for our teams, our patients, and our community. Remember, safety is a shared responsibility, and your proactive measures can contribute significantly to our collective well-being.