How to Stay Safe in the Summer Heat

Approaching the heart of the summer, it is important to be aware of how to stay safe in the sweltering heat. Not only should you be aware of this for yourself, but keep in mind to look out for others, as well. There are more than 800 preventable, heat-related deaths in the United States every single year. In an effort to heighten the prevention of these deaths, we have put together a list of 8 safety tips to help you stay safe in the heat.

8 Summer Heat Tips:

Drink plenty of fluids. This is the single most important step for beating the heat: staying hydrated. Even if you don’t feel “thirsty,” it is crucial to keep drinking water and other hydrating fluids throughout the day.
Apply sunscreen. Ultraviolet radiation from the sun damages skin cells, which can lead to a sunburn, aging, or even skin cancer. So while waiting for your sunscreen to soak into your skin before hopping in the pool can feel like an eternity, go the extra step and make sure you do it the right way.
Balance your time in the sun and shade. It is no secret that people try to get their “ideal tan” in the summer and that Vitamin D from the sun is actually very healthy, but balance is key. The more time spent out in the sun, the quicker you will become dehydrated. When spending time out under the hot summer sun, make sure you take regular breaks inside or somewhere in the shade.
Take cool showers or baths to cool down. Similar to the effect that a dip in a pool, river, lake or ocean would have on a hot day, a cold shower or bath helps decrease your skin and body temperature. By decreasing your skin temperature, the threshold for perspiration increases, making you sweat less. This helps your body retain water more efficiently, allowing you to stay more hydrated.
Wear lightweight, loose, light-colored clothing. In order to beat the heat, you want to stay cool and hydrated. Obviously heavy, tight clothes will make you hotter, and dark clothing absorbs sunlight more than light colored clothing. So when looking for what to wear out in the sun, go with the lightweight, loose, and light-colored clothing.
Schedule outdoor activities for earlier or later in the day. The sun is the hottest in the middle of the day. When looking for a time to go for a run or take the dog for a walk, do it in the morning or in the evening, when the sun is less hot.
Crack the windows of your car. The inside temperature of your car can quickly reach 120 degrees, so crack those windows to air out the car. Most importantly, never leave children or pets in your car– hot cars can be deadly.
Be aware of heat related illnesses. If you see someone who looks like they might have signs of Heat Exhaustion or Heat Stroke, quickly move them to a cooler place and cool them off. If there are changes in consciousness or vomiting, call 9-1-1.

Enjoy the hot summer weather that July provides, but remember to do it safely!