25 Steps to Keep You Safe During a Heatwave
With temperatures soaring in many places the following are a few steps you can take to help make heat waves a little more safe and bearable.
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Keep blinds and curtains closed.
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Mylar Blankets placed in the sunniest windows will cut down on the heat entering your home.
These blankets are also large enough to cover a sliding door without piecing. You will be amazed at how quickly the temperature in a room will drop when you cover your windows with these blankets.
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Move activities, including eating and sleeping, to the coolest room in the house. This will normally be on the lowest level of your home or a room without direct sunlight.
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Play board games, watch TV, or read, but don’t be too active.
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Use outdoor umbrellas, canopies, tarps, and dining flies outside windows receiving direct sun.
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Wear loose, light colored clothing.
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Sit next to a fan. Fans do not cool air, they only move it. You become cooler as the moisture on your skin evaporates, good reason to stay wet!
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Skip the exercise routine and working outside.
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Go to a grocery store or mall, take in a movie or go bowling in “cool” places.
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Check on housebound and elderly neighbors and friends.
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Visit a friend or relative out of town. The temperature in the city is usually several degrees higher then in a country setting.
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Watch for heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
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Turn off lights and the computer in the rooms you are trying to cool.
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When it cools down at night, if it cools down, open all the windows. Close them again mid morning as it starts to heat up.
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Never leave children or pets in a parked car, even with the windows open. The temperature in a car, with windows open, can reach 120º F within a few minutes.
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If stranded in your car, place mylar blankets on the roof and over the windshield and rear window, on the outside of the car. Weight them down with rocks or anything you have on hand or by closing them into the door. Keep windows open. The blankets will reflect the sun, greatly reducing the heat.
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Check on pets often.
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When outside, wear a wide brimmed hat and sunscreen.
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Find a cooling center by calling the police or fire department.
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Stay informed by listening to radio or TV forecasts.
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Be prepared with food and supplies so you don't need to leave your home.
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Get wet. Take a shower and don’t dry your hair, take a dip in the pool and don’t dry off (if the pool is in the sun don’t stay in too long), run through a sprinkler, keep a spray bottle nearby and mist your face (also great for your complexion), use wet compresses on your neck or head, keep a wet washcloth by your bed to cool yourself through the night, wrap your head in a wet bandanna, or soak your feet.
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Drink lots of water, lemonade or juices, but never anything with caffeine or alcohol as these will raise your body temperature. Sodas will only increase your thirst. Popsicles are also a great way to stay hydrated. If you are thirsty, you have waited too long to drink.
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Eat cold foods. This is the time to eat sandwiches, salads and other foods that are not heated. Avoid large portions of protein foods as they will increase body temperature. Eat smaller, more frequent meals.
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Cook outdoors if you feel you must have a hot meal. Crock pot cooking is also a great way to keep the heat outside. If you don't have outside outlets, plug in your crock pot in a room you are not using such as the laundry room.
Heat-related emergencies are very serious. Add a power outage and the results are deadly. Protect yourself now by accumulating items which will help through the emergency and learn how to use them. Teach your family members the dangers and warning signs now.
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Great pointers!
I keep frozen towels on hand so when we have to go out and work (we're farmers so no rest even in the heat wave!) we can lay them across our neck and they keep nice and cool for up to 2 hours. It melts and leaves you a drippy mess that is heavenly when the breeze blows! Drink lots of fluids too!
That is a great idea!
Love the great ideas. I am hot all the time these days, it seems. I like to slip several small lunchbox size blue ice gel packs under my clothing to keep me cool.
I might also add you should take frequent breaks and avoid mid-day sun if you must be outside, otherwise, good ideas.