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June 20th is officially the first day of summer. Are you as ready as I am?!
It’s a super fun thing to plan for, but there are also some important things to be aware of. Extreme heat is one of the leading weather-related killers in the United States. According to the CDC, there are over 1,000 deaths per year caused by complications due to higher temperatures.
Keep reading and you’ll learn the summer heat safety tips you need to know in order to have that care-free, fun and relaxing summer you intend to have.
While extreme heat can cause problems for anyone, there are certain population groups who are more susceptible to complications due to rising temperatures. These include:
Another population you might not necessarily know about are urban heat islands. An urban heat island is created in densely built cities. With all the buildings, asphalt roads and lack of greenery, the sun’s heat is absorbed causing the temperatures to rise higher than surrounding areas. It creates an ‘island’ effect.
Heat Advisory: Issued when the heat index is predicted to be at or more than 100 degrees Fahrenheit for at least 2 hours on any given day. An advisory is typically issued on a day by day basis.
Excessive Heat Warning: Issued when the heat index is predicted to be at or above 105 degrees Fahrenheit for 2 or more days and the nighttime temperature won’t drop below 75 degrees.
There are a few ways you can make sure that your home is ready to keep you safe when the temperatures start to creep up during the summer months. And honestly, these tips should be part of your home maintenance plan anyway.
While you can’t control the weather, you can make sure that your loved ones are equipped with the information they need to stay safe when extremely high temperatures swoop in. Take the time to review the following before mother nature sends the dangerous heat.
I think many of us take having air conditioning for granted. But there are many people who don’t have it in their homes. Not to mention that in extreme weather, there is a tendency for power outages to occur. You need to know what to do in these situations.
Knowing your evacuation plan is a key part of your Family Emergency Plan. Make sure you know which shelters near you will have air conditioning and how you will get to them.
I know some people think that high heat is the same everywhere. But if you’ve lived in the southeast part of the United States, then you fully understand that the humidity adds another layer of discomfort!
If you do not have air conditioning in your home and you are dealing with high humidity, a fan is NOT enough! The “feels like” temp is much worse in these areas and your body cannot properly cool itself.
You’ll want to seek refuge. Consider going to public places nearby like a library, mall, or museum – somewhere that you could find relief during the daytime hours.
Here are the warning signs of someone dealing with heat stroke and you need to call 9-1-1:
If you or someone near you is experiencing the following symptoms, take action to get them to a safe place and cool off:
I already mentioned that you need to keep your pets out of hot cars and not leave them outdoors, but here are a few more tips:
In addition to these summer heat safety tips, here are a few more resources I recommend checking out. These are some great ways to make sure you’re prepared when those outdoor temps start to get a little too high.
Keep a folder of bank statements and extra cash in case the power goes out and ATMs and credit card machines aren’t working.
Bring copies of utility bills as proof of residence when applying for assistance.
Consider getting the Info Hub. The financial section will come in handy because you’ll have access to all of your important information at your fingertips. It gives you the option of a digital copy and a printable copy.
Download the Red Cross Emergency App. You’ll be notified of weather and emergency alerts for your area. For more information on a variety of emergency apps, check out this blog post.
You might not get your kids interested in reading this blog post or reviewing a checklist, but Weather.gov is a great resource for activities and videos to teach summer heat safety tips in a way that is fun for them.
So your spouse doesn’t care about food storage or other emergency essentials? Here are some tips to help you prioritize preparedness and keep your spouse happy.
In order to prepare kids for emergencies, you first need to tackle the obvious – disaster anxiety is real! This post addresses that and gives you resources to help teach your kids about preparedness without scaring them.
Gear up for a worry-free summer with this comprehensive guide on creating the ultimate summer car kit! Discover essential items to beat the heat, stay hydrated, and ensure your vehicle is ready for the sunny adventures ahead. From sunblock and hydration essentials to car maintenance tips, this post will help make sure your summer journeys safe, comfortable, and unforgettable. Prepare your vehicle, pack smart, and hit the road with confidence – the perfect summer road trip awaits!
