RENO, Nev. (KOLO) -Public Safety agencies are providing heat and water safety tips as temperatures rise in our area. REMSA Health says it is important to hydrate, use sunscreen, and wear protective clothing.
In 2025, REMSA Health responded to 117 heat related calls from May 1 – September 30.
In a press release, REMSA is reminding people of the warning signs of heat-related injuries:
“Heat cramps: These involuntary muscle spasms usually occur during intense exercise in hot environments. Cramps typically affect the calves, arms, abdominal wall, and back. Treatment involves resting, cooling off and consuming electrolyte-containing drinks.
Heat exhaustion: This condition involves more severe muscle cramps, fatigue, headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and fainting. Other symptoms may include rapid and shallow breathing. Managing heat exhaustion requires resting in a cool place, lying on the back with elevated legs, loosening restrictive clothing, and taking a cool shower if possible. The affected person should consume cool water and electrolyte-containing fluids. If symptoms persist after one hour, seek immediate medical attention.
Heatstroke: This is the most severe heat-related illness and a medical emergency. Heatstroke can be life-threatening and lead to damage in the brain, heart, kidneys, and muscles, potentially resulting in death. Symptoms include a severe headache, vomiting, and flushed, red skin without sweating. If you notice any of these signs, call 911 and take steps to cool down the person.”
REMSA Health reports 31 children died in hot cars in 2025 across the US. The agency is also reminding people to protect children and themselves from the heat.
-“Keep infants under six months old out of direct sunlight.
-Everyone should use broad-spectrum sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30.
-Wear a hat, sunglasses, and protective clothing.
-Reapply sunscreen every two hours or after significant sweating, swimming, or towel drying.
-Hang out in shaded areas, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
-Stay hydrated. Adults should drink around half your bodyweight in ounces of water every day. Make hydration enjoyable for children by giving them fruit with high water content—such as watermelon and strawberries—or frozen fruit pops.
-For infants, consider increasing their intake of formula or breast milk.”
The Reno Fire Department’s Water Entry Team is also addressing the current conditions of the Truckee River. “Our river is much safer than some of the bigger, more consequential rivers around the country, but it is still a lot of water, and it has a lot of force. For every 1,000 cubic feet per second of water, it’s equivalent to about 6 elephants pushing against you. It’s a lot of force. So right now we are running at about 1,000 cubic feet per second. That’ll go down as the summer approaches, but it is still just a lot of force, and it’s relentless,” said Jonathan Bernard, Reno Fire WET team.
Bernard also suggests people wear life jackets, foot protection and avoid alcohol on the river. “The river can have much more consequences than people give it credit for. You can get in over your head pretty quickly. Especially in the winter months and these very early spring and summer months when the water is really cold. In the later months, most of our calls come from alcohol related issues. It happens. It’s sunny, it’s warm, and everybody is recreating on the river. We get it, but please be careful with the alcohol and be careful with the cold water.”
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