The summer is here with a vengeance. Record-breaking temperatures across the Midwest call for an update on how to keep safe and cool during the heat waves. With temperatures reaching into the 90s and heat indexes over 100, we would rather all of you be as safe as you can be!
We put together a heat survival guide full of tips and tricks meant to help keep you and others around you safe and prepared.
Heat Basics 101:
- Midday Madness: avoid going out during the peak hours when the sun is right above and the closest to the Earth. (Psst… that’s around 11 am to 2 pm!)
- Utilize the early morning or evening hours past midday and once the sun sets.
- Sun protection is your best friend. Wear hats, sunglasses, sunscreen with a strong SPF…the whole nine yards!
- Loose, light colored clothing should be your suit of armor for this battle: tank tops, t-shirts, and shorts.
- Lukewarm and cool baths/showers are the way to go.
- Don’t leave pets, kids, or vulnerable members in the car. (According to MDHHS, Cars can reach unsafe temperatures within 2 minutes. Yes, this applies to you even if you have a fancy Tesla,).
- Keep an eye on your pets to make sure they are safe. If the ground is hot enough to burn the back of your hand, it is way too hot for their paws!
Health Check:
- Drink plenty of water; avoid sugary drinks and alcohol
- Stock up on electrolyte heavy fluids and supplements. Liquid IV is an excellent hydrater!
- Eat regular meals to replace the salt that you lose sweating
- Ice cubes at the pressure points can help reduce the effects of the heat. Gently press along the wrists, temples, elbow bends, and the back of your neck and knees.
- Be careful not to get sun poisoning, it’s very serious and can get out of control quickly.
- Know the difference between sunburn, sun poisoning, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke!
In Your Home:
- Check your AC system: does it need a tune-up or an air filter change?
- Tower and box fans are a great buy, just don’t hoard them and leave people stranded.
- If you have a generator, make sure that it is ready if the power goes out and you need to use it.
- Try to refrain from cooking in the oven for longer than 40 minutes at a time. The oven can heat up your house pretty quickly.
- Make a plan with neighbors to keep everyone in the loop and help keep an eye out.
- In the case of a blackout/blowout, keep batteries and candles around. (It’s also a good idea to get portable chargers!)
Activity:
- Break out the slip ‘n slide in the backyard or run through the sprinklers!
- Stop by the store to pick up a kiddie pool for pets and tiny humans, it’s a great way to keep pets happy.
- Try to avoid heavy exercise or extended workout sessions outdoors.
- Head to local parks where plenty of shade and cover are available. In Oakland and Macomb, we have lots of great parks!
- This is a no-brainer, but go swimming! If you can, head to local pools, lakes, or swimming areas to splash away the heat.
- If you are lucky enough to have a boat, make it a mandatory lake complete with tubing and relaxing at the sand bar.
- Community areas like malls, libraries, and stores can be a respite in this intense weather.
Friends and Family:
- Check in frequently with your friends, family, and the most vulnerable members of our society.
- Make a plan with your neighbors to keep everyone in the loop and help keep an eye out.
- Use the buddy system. It’s not a good idea to go places by yourself for an extended amount of time.
- Keep an eye for others while you are outside, you never know if someone might need help!
- If family member lives alone, it’s a good idea to have them come over. There is strength in numbers.
We hope that this survival guide cheat sheet helps. Feel free to pass it along to everyone!
Do you have any tips and tricks that you think we should add? Comment below or get in contact with us!
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