Fire crews taking extra precautions to stay safe in heat

With the scorching heat impacting South Mississippi, first responders are taking extra precaution to stay safe while serving the community.

To reduce the risk of heat-related illness, crews focus on staying hydrated, maintaining their physical fitness, and watching for signs of heat stress.

Departments also rotate responsibilities and ensure there is adequate staffing to help share the workload during the hottest parts of the day.

Officials say teamwork and simple safety precautions can make a big difference in keeping first responders safe while they continue to serve the public through the summer heat.