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Tips to beat the heat this summer

With summertime approaching, many of us are thinking about lounging in the pool, planning an exciting family vacation or spending time outdoors pursuing our hobbies. Unfortunately, warm, sunny summer days frequently turn hot, humid and potentially dangerous. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heat-related illness is responsible for over 67,500 emergency department visits each year, making extreme heat the most deadly severe weather event in the U.S.

The good news is that there are plenty of simple steps that you can take to protect yourself and your family, and ensure that you stay comfortable all season long, including:

  • Wear loose, light-weight, light-colored clothing.
  • Protect your skin with sunscreen and your face with a hat when outdoors.
  • Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
  • Know where to find shade or shelter when outdoors.
  • Keep food at the appropriate temperature when gathering outdoors. Spoiled food can cause illness.

If your home does not have air conditioning, you may also want to consider:

  • Taking cool showers or baths.
  • Using your oven less to reduce the temperature in your home.
  • Insulating and covering doors and windows to keep the heat and sun out.
  • Identifying cooling centers or public spaces that provide air conditioning, like libraries and malls.

Some populations, like children, the elderly and people who are overweight or who suffer from certain medical conditions, may be more susceptible to heat illnesses like heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Plan to check in on family, friends and neighbors during particularly hot days. Additionally:

  • Never leave anyone (child or adult) unattended in a car on a hot day. Thirty-eight children die each year from being left in hot cars.
  • Avoid strenuous activities, particularly during the hottest part of the day – midday.
  • Familiarize yourself with the signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses.

And don’t forget about Fido! Pets are susceptible to extreme heat, too. Make sure that your furry friend has access to shade, plenty of cool water and is never left alone in a hot vehicle or other enclosed space.

The National Weather Service provides to the public:

  • Heat advisories – Unusually hot/humid weather is coming.
  • Excessive heat watches – There is the potential for dangerously hot/humid weather.
  • Excessive Heat Warnings – The weather is dangerously hot/humid.

Monitor your local weather stations and news sources for weather updates and information. Remember, humidity intensifies high temperatures!

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