Hot Weather Safety Tips

Massachusetts is officially experiencing a heat wave! After this last winter, few of us will complain about this hot weather. However, it is important to take some safety precautions to keep everyone in your home safe. Here are a few hot weather home safety tips to remember.

Stay Out of the Sun

With temperatures above 90 degrees, it is really important to stay out of the sun. Being in direct sunlight can make the temperatures feel roughly 10 to 15 degrees hotter than being in the shade. In addition to overheating, you can get a really bad sunburn in this weather.

Stay Cool

In hot weather, everyone gravitates towards the water. A local pool or the beach can be a great way to cool off. Make sure that you have plenty of sunblock on (and re-apply it every few hours per the manufacturer’s suggestion) and that you limit the amount of time spent in direct sunlight.

Stay Hydrated

Drink lots of water! In hot weather, your body struggles to cool itself. You may lose a lot of fluid from sweating, so you need to drink water to replenish those fluids. Drinking sufficient water will help you stay hydrated and minimize the chances of heat related illness.

Keep Your Home Cool

If you have air conditioning in your home, it’s a good idea to stay indoors. If you do not have air conditioning, keep those fans running if you can. You may be inclined to open all of your windows, but this might not help. In the early morning or late evening, opening windows can help by bringing in the temperatures from outdoors. The middle of the day may be the hottest, so it may be better to keep your windows closed to retain whatever cool air you may have inside (and to prevent the much hotter air outside from entering your home).

Escape to a Cool Location

If the temperature in your home is simply too high and you do not have a means to cool it down, consider escaping to a place with air conditioning. Visit the library, local pool, or some other public resource. Visit a friend who has air conditioning in their home or visit an entertainment venue such as a movie theater. Most communities offer several options for cooling down on a hot day.

Hot Weather Safety Tips and Dangers

The hot weather safety tips above or only a few important ways to minimize your heat exposure and remain safe. Heat stroke is one of the most common heath dangers of hot weather. Symptoms include dizziness, nausea, headache, fever, rapid pulse, and red/hot skin. If you experience these symptoms on a hot day, it is important to seek immediate medical attention. Heat stroke can be deadly if not treated promptly and properly.