With the prolonged heat wave only growing longer by the day, the threat of hyperthermia (elevated body temperature), heat exhaustion, and heat stroke becomes a real possibility. As overnight low temperatures fail to provide much relief, especially for those without adequate cooling in their homes, prolonged exposure to the heat weakens the body and lowers everyone's tolerance levels. Here are some hot weather safety tips to abide by from MemphisWeather.net:
- Take it easy! Strenuous outdoor activity should be reduced or eliminated, especially during the hottest part of the day. Spend more time in air-conditioned locations.
- Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing to help reflect heat and cool your body cooler. Wear sunscreen!
- Drink plenty of water or other non-alcoholic beverages, even if you don't feel thirsty. Alcohol speeds the dehydration process.
- Eat light, cool, easy-to-digest foods.
- Check on the elderly and chronically ill to be sure they are staying cool. Older people are especially susceptible to the effects of the heat, as are those with chronic illness such as respiratory diseases. Poor air quality often goes hand-in-hand with heat waves.
- Keep young children out of the heat. They can be as susceptible as the elderly.
- Provide plenty of water for pets, especially those outdoors, as well as a cool place to spend time during the hottest part of the day.
- Never leave children or pets alone in an automobile!
- Know your limits and respond to your body when it tells you to take a break.
For more information, check out this detailed heat awareness webpage from the National Weather Service.
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