How to Prepare for Extreme Summer Heat
| What do you do when a heat wave hits? We’ve barely entered the summer and parts of California, Nevada, and Arizona already had record-breaking temperatures. In some of these areas, it was so hot that planes were not permitted to fly, roads buckled and power outages occurred due to the strain on the power grid from excessive use of air conditioning. Here are 10 tips for staying cool in extreme heat. |
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Both extreme heat and extreme cold can be dangerous. However, heat waves very quickly become life-threatening if proper precautions are not taken. In recent years, excessive heat has caused more deaths than all other weather events, including floods. Of all natural disasters, heat holds the highest 10-year average of fatalities with 113.
A heat wave is a prolonged period of excessive heat—generally 10 degrees or more above average—that is often combined with excessive humidity. Young children, those who are sick, and the elderly are most susceptible to heat-related illnesses. However, anyone can suffer from a heat-related illness if they over-exert themselves or simply don’t take extreme heat warnings seriously.
Whether your region is experiencing a heat wave or record-breaking temperatures, here’s advice courtesy of Cummins Generators to keep your family, friends, and neighbors safe this summer.
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10 TIPS FOR SURVIVING A HEAT WAVE Never leave children or pets alone in hot vehicles—even for a second. Stay inside during the hottest part of the day (10 A.M to 4 P.M.) and limit time outside in the Sun. Avoid strenuous activity and postpone outdoor games and events. If A/C is not available, stay indoors on the lowest floor in a well-ventilated area with fans. Keep shades and blinds closed. Stay hydrated with plenty of water—even if you’re not thirsty. Don’t drink alcohol, sugary soda or drinks, or other caffeinated beverages, as they will only make dehydration worse. Eat small meals and eat more often. Use sunscreen and wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing and a hat made of breathable material. During heat waves, tune to a NOAA radio station and listen for weather updates from the National Weather Service (NWS). Visit air-conditioned public spaces such as malls, movie theaters, and libraries to keep cool. Check on family and friends who are more susceptible, especially if they may have lost A/C. Keep your pets indoors and make sure they have access to a cool space and plenty of water. If you feel overheated, cool off with wet washcloths, fans, and a cool sponge bath or shower.
Too hot at the house? Go to the library or a designated public shelter if your home loses power during periods of extreme heat.Text SHELTER + your ZIP code to 43362 (4FEMA) to find the nearest shelter in your area (example: shelter 12345). |
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HOW TO PREPARE FOR AND PREVENT HEAT WAVE DANGER
Properly install window air conditioners, sealing any cracks and insulating if necessary. Check A/C ducts for proper insulation and clean filters. Install awnings, blinds, or light-colored drapes and keep them closed to keep sunlight and heat out. Upgrade your windows and weather-strip doors to keep heat out and cool air in. Make sure your first aid kit is updated and get trained in first aid relief. Have a plan for wherever you (and your family members/pets) spend time during a heat wave—home, work, and school—and prepare for power outages. Discuss heat safety precautions with members of your household. Check the contents of your emergency disaster kit in case a power outage occurs. Be aware of weather forecasts and the upcoming temperature changes. It’s not just the high temperature. The heat index is the temperature the body feels when the effects of heat and humidity are combined. See our heat index chart. Of course, consider a home standby generator, like the Cummins QuietConnect, that will turn on automatically to keep your A/C running and your entire house on if you lose power. Evaluate your home generator needs with a free calculator. |
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| We hope these tips are helpful during the next heat wave! Print out this list and place it with your First Aid Kit so you’re better prepared when a heat wave hits. |
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© 2017 Yankee Publishing Inc. All rights reserved.
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