BEATING THE HEAT WITH SUMMER SAFETY TIPS

As temperatures reach triple digits, it’s important that we double down on heat safety.

Here are some tips to stay comfortable and safe this summer.

The National Weather Service classifies a heat index of 105 degrees Fahrenheit or greater for more than two hours as an Excessive Heat Warning. These weather conditions are common in Maricopa County and other counties in Arizona.

When temperatures soar to triple digits, it’s best to stay inside as much as possible as too much exposure to high heat can cause heat stroke-like symptoms such as muscle cramps, clammy skin or dizziness. It’s important to be aware of these symptoms and immediately go into a cooler area and drink cold water as soon as you experience them.

Furthermore, it is imperative to be educated on the difference between heat exhaustion and a heat stroke. The City of Phoenix’s Summer Heat Safety page describes the symptoms of heat exhaustion as fainting or dizziness, excessive sweating, clammy skin, nausea or vomiting, rapid pulse or muscle cramps. As mentioned, when experiencing these symptoms, immediately take action to cool yourself down.

On the other hand, a heat stroke brings on a throbbing headache, hot and red skin, rapid yet strong pulse and a potential loss of consciousness. These are symptoms of a life-threatening condition and you should call 9-1-1 immediately.

One of the major differences between heat exhaustion and a heat stroke is sweating. Heat exhaustion causes excessive sweating whereas a heat stroke actually does not cause you to sweat.

To avoid these dangerous conditions, it’s first imperative that you check the weather forecast before going outside so you’re aware of the level of heat you’ll experience that day.

Next, wear the proper apparel to keep your skin safe from the sun. The Red Cross suggests wearing lightweight clothing and avoiding dark colors that absorb sun rays. Consider wearing a protective hat as well. As always, wear plenty of sunscreen and frequently reapply.

Make sure you take plenty of breaks when working outside and drink water before, during and after you’re outside activities.

Before heading outside for the day, chill water bottles in the fridge and ice packs in the freezer so you’ll have cold water to rehydrate and ice packs to put on your forehead and neck as soon as you get back home.

Rather than cranking your AC when you’re not home, invest in whiteout shades and keep the blinds shut to minimize the sun exposure.

Heat is inevitable in our Arizona summers, so it is important that we stay educated and informed about excessive temperatures, the symptoms of heat-related illness and preventive measures to keep our body’s cool when we’re outside.