Summer is here! While this means beach trips, pool days and other outdoor adventures, it can also mean extreme heat. Aside from being uncomfortable, extreme heat can be dangerous. Here are our top tips for staying safe in the face of extreme heat, and what to look for when it comes to heat-related illness.
Hot Weather Safety Tips
Stay cool and comfortable this summer with these heat safety tips:
Stay Hydrated
When you are outside in the heat, or if your home becomes hot, aim for one 8oz glass of water every 20 minutes. If you are outside in the heat, switch to sports drinks to replenish electrolytes lost through sweat. Small amounts of liquids at more frequent intervals are more effective than large amounts of liquids at infrequent intervals. Avoid dehydrating drinks like coffee (or other caffeine-heavy drinks) and alcohol.
Keep Your Home Cool - Efficiently
Save up to 10% a year on your energy bills by turning your thermostat back 7-10 degrees from its normal setting for 8 hours a day, ideally when you’re away. In addition, keep your blinds and curtains closed during the day to reduce the amount of sunlight and heat that enters your home. Window tint or reflective film are easy to install and are effective at reflecting the sun’s rays and heat away.
Note: Do not use electric fans if room temperature gets over 90°F. This will simply circulate hot air, making you more susceptible to heat illness.
Enjoy The Great Indoors
This is one of the most basic, but most effective hot weather safety tips. If possible, stay inside during the hottest part of the day, which is typically between 10AM - 4PM. If going outside is unavoidable, remember to use sunscreen, wear a hat and loose clothing, and stay in the shade as much as possible. Frequent breaks from work or exercising outdoors are also important to avoid overheating.
Cook With Smaller Kitchen Appliances
Avoid high kitchen temperatures (and energy bills) by limiting your oven or range use and switching to small appliances like microwaves and slow cookers. You can also experiment with refreshing no-cook dishes, like yogurt parfaits for breakfast and gazpacho (a chilled soup) for lunch or dinner!
Maintain Your Refrigerator
Regularly check your fridge and freezer thermostats, door seals and vacuum coils to keep your fridge in top condition and prevent any unexpected meltdowns. This will help you save on your energy bill while ensuring your food is always its freshest.
Check on Your Neighbors
If you have elderly, disabled, or sick neighbors, check on them regularly. They may need extra help staying safe and comfortable during periods of extreme heat. If you need help, arrange for neighbors, family, or friends to check in with you regularly.
Keep Your Furry Friends Safe
Heat safety doesn’t end with humans. Remember that if it’s too hot for you, it’s also too hot for your pets. Of course, your dog still has to go outside, though. Time your walks during the cooler parts of the day, like early in the morning and evening. You may also need to change your walk to a more shady route, or one where your dog can walk on grass or dirt paths to avoid hot concrete or asphalt. For long walks, take a collapsible water bowl for your furry friend, and take breaks as needed. Never leave a pet in a hot car.
Signs of Heat-Related Illness
It’s important to know the signs of heat-related illness, as it typically comes on quickly. If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, call 911 immediately:
- Heavy sweating
- Painful cramps, especially after working or exercising
- Nausea or vomiting
- A fast, weak pulse
- Hot, dry skin
- Headaches
- Mental confusion
- Dizziness
- Muscle twitches or spasms
- High body temperature
- Fainting
KOHLER Generators is Here For You
Power outages, even those brought on by extreme heat, are no match for a KOHLER generator. When the power goes out, your standby generator automatically turns on and restores electricity
July 26, 2022 7:46 PM