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A heatwave is a prolonged period of exceptionally hot weather. It’s not just the temperature that can be dangerous, but also how hot it feels and humidity levels, which means you should take extra care during a heatwave. Here are four ways to stay safe and cool during a heatwave:
Avoid Going Outside
The summer is here, so it’s time to enjoy the great outdoors. But with so many people outside enjoying the sun, it’s important to remember that there are dangers associated with spending too much time in the heat.
Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are serious medical conditions that can be fatal if not treated properly. Heat exhaustion occurs when your body becomes dehydrated, causing you to lose the ability to sweat. This can happen when you’re out in the sun for long periods of time without drinking enough fluids or wearing enough sunscreen.
Heat stroke is more serious when your body temperature rises above 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius). It can happen suddenly, often after exposure to high temperatures over an extended period of time or if you’re already dehydrated from heat exhaustion. Both conditions need immediate medical treatment and should not be taken lightly!
Stay Hydrated.
You can stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Make sure to drink a glass of water when you wake up before you go to bed and after exercising or working outside in the heat.
It is also helpful to have a bottle of water with you wherever you go so that it’s easy to keep your hydration levels where they should be. If you have a water filter device similar to Pentair Rocean, you can always have filtered water from your tap to keep you cool during the heatwave.
Keep the Lights Off
During a heatwave, it’s important not to keep your lifts on. The reason for this is that your feet will swell, which can cause increased pressure on the nerves in your foot. In addition, if you are wearing socks or shoes that are too tight, they can cut off circulation and cause blisters, which are painful and will make walking difficult.
It’s also important to consider how much time you spend outside during a heatwave. If you’re out in the sun all day long, then it’s likely that your feet will be much warmer than normal, and you could even get blisters from being in direct sunlight for so long without protection.
Wear Loose, Light Clothing.
The clothes you wear can help keep you cool and safe in the sun. Light, loose-fitting clothing made of natural fibers like cotton or silk is ideal for hot weather. Avoid synthetic fabrics such as polyester as these hold heat in and may cause you to overheat quickly.
Dark colors absorb more heat than lighter colors, so avoid wearing dark colors during a heatwave. Also, tight clothing traps body heat close to the body, making it feel hotter.
Similarly, don’t wear too many layers of clothing; instead, focus on one or two lightweight and breathable items. Finally, ensure your clothes fit properly—too big or too small garments might make it harder for air to circulate through your body, making you sweat even more.
