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Hot Weather Survival
Basic knowledge of hot weather survival tips will come in handy many times. Whenever it is hot, you should implement the precautionary steps. You may need to help someone who gets sick. And you may, in fact, save lives.
The young, the elderly, and those in poor health are at greater risk for complications. If you or anyone you live with fits one of these descriptions be sure to take precautions.There is no true definition of extreme heat because it is relative to the climate and weather trends. As a basic rule whenever the temperature rises 10 degrees above the average for that place and time of year it can be thought of as extreme heat. If it lasts for a few weeks, it's a heat wave. Preparatory Hot Weather Survival: - Replace central air filters
- Install an air conditioning unit if you don't have central air
- Buy a fan if air conditioning is not possible, and have a battery-operated fan as backup
- Apply weather-stripping to doors and window sills
- Set up mini-blinds or drapes in windows with direct sunlight
- Make sure you have ice in the freezer
- Buy a generator (electrical blackouts are common in extreme heat)
During Extreme Heat: - Drink water (at least 1 quart for every 50 lbs you weigh) and avoid alcohol and caffeine
- Eat light meals
- Stay in cool buildings (go to the mall if necessary)
- At home, stay on the first floor
- Dress in light-colored and lightweight clothing
- Wear a hat outside
- Use a high spf sunscreen or sunblock
- Do not leave anyone, especially young children, in a vehicle
- Reduce energy consumption (help prevent blackouts) by turning off computers, lights, etc.
- Take breaks every hour
What To Do If Someone Gets Sick:
Sunburn - - Get out of the sun
- Take a cool shower and wash the skin
- Get medical treatment for any blisters
- Relax indoors and drink water
Muscle Spasms -- Get indoors where it's cool
- Stretch and rub muscles
- Drink water slowly
Heat Exhaustion (fever, nausea, headache, dizziness, pale skin) -- Get indoors where it's cool
- Drink water slowly
- Remove warm clothing (especially socks and hats)
- Use fan or air conditioning
- If not dizzy or exhausted, a cool shower is possible, otherwise cool bath
Heat Stroke or Sun Stroke (fever of 105 degrees or more, shallow breathing, weak pulse, hot and dry skin) -- Call 911!
- Do not leave the person unattended
- Get indoors where it's cool
- Remove clothing
- If possible take a cool bath
- Use rubbing alcohol around neck, armpits, and groin (cools quickly with evaporation)
- Use fan or air conditioning
These steps of prevention and intervention can and have saved lives. Heat waves are especially dangerous. But following these tips make hot weather survival easier. And always remember the number 1 rule is to drink plenty of water. Download a
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