Here’s some quick tips to help you stay safe in the heat:
We’ve seen on the national news the extreme temperatures that have been occurring throughout the country and we get to be “lucky” enough to experience it as well. We want you to be safe while working, doing yard work, enjoying great recreational activities, and all times. Here are a few tips to help you to Beat the Heat!
- Drink plenty of water. Sodas and alcohol (beer, wine) dehydrate us and don’t help at all. If you don’t like the taste of water, make lemonade or use other flavorings in your water that you may enjoy.
- Get in air conditioning. Most homes have air conditioning but, sometimes the air conditioner isn’t working correctly and there are a few homes that don’t have air conditioning. There are stores and other public places, such as the library that have air conditioning where you can go to cool off. Fans just blow the hot air around and so they aren’t much use either. Consider calling your local heating and cooling specialists to have them tune up your air conditioner.
- Just because it’s cloudy, doesn’t mean it’s not hot and humid. Be sure to watch or listen to the weather forecasts.
- Avoid the sun and being outdoors. When the air is thick and heavy, it can make it hard to breathe or do any activity outdoors. If you have breathing troubles, use air conditioning to remove the humidity to make it easier for you to breathe. If you must work outside, be sure to take frequent breaks in the shade to help cool you down.
- Take it easy when exercising outdoors. Your heart has to work harder in hot humid weather so, consider slowing your pace and decreasing your intensity, or exercising at a cooler time.
- Wear lightweight and light colored clothing.
- Do not leave pets or people in locked parked cars. Always check the backseat before leaving your vehicle.
- Think of your pets in this heat too. They also need water and a cool place to relax.
- The elderly and young children are most at risk for heat related illness. Be sure to check on them a couple of times daily. Also, those with a mental illness or other physical illness such as heart disease may need to limit their activity level further.
- For more information, check out the CDC’s website: https://www.cdc.gov/extreme-heat/prevention/?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/heattips.html
- Stay safe!