Staying Safe in Extreme Heat

Staying Safe in Extreme Heat

Staying Safe in Extreme Heat

Summer is a great time to head outdoors and enjoy the weather. But if temperatures are particularly high, spending too much time outside isn’t always the best idea.

Extreme heat has been known to cause a lot of health problems, including heat exhaustion and heatstroke. These issues occur when the body is unable to cool itself down. They can lead to brain and vital organ damage; even death.

It’s important you understand the dangers of extreme heat and take the proper precautions to stay safe whenever temperatures soar during the summer.

Extreme Heat Safety Tips

First, those who are particularly at risk of extreme heat-related conditions should stay inside whenever it’s hot outside. This can include older adults and those with chronic diseases. Young, healthy adults can also suffer heat exhaustion or heat stroke if exposed to extreme temperatures too long.

With that in mind, here are some important tips to keep you safe this summer:

  • Don’t leave kids in the car – Cars heat up fast, so don’t leave kids or pets in your car, even if it’s just a few minutes.
  • Go outside when it’s cooler – Temperatures won’t be as high in the mornings or evenings. Try to limit outdoor activities to these times.
  • Keep your indoor space cool – Have your HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning) inspected spring and fall. It’s important it operate efficiently and reliably. If you don’t have air conditioning or it breaks down in the middle of a hot day, go to a public space such as a library or a mall, to stay cool.
  • Take a cold shower – Cold showers and baths are a great way to cool down if you’re feeling too hot. This is especially true if your home doesn’t have or loses AC.
  • Wear cool clothes – The thicker your clothes, the more they will trap heat. During extreme heat, wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing as well as light-colored clothes (They don’t “absorb” heat.)

These are a few heat safety tips to keep your cool For more summer safety tips, visit us at The Benefits Store.