In some situations, the summer heat can be more than just an uncomfortable bother, it can be deadly. These soaring temperatures and overloaded air conditioners have the potential to knock out the power on a large scale, resulting in less than desirable temperatures across homes. If these temperatures remain at these levels without some relief, it can soon become damaging for those in the homes, especially young children and the elderly. If you find yourself in this situation, follow these tips for beating the summer heat. This will help you to stay cool, avoiding some of the most common and dangerous symptoms of extreme heat.
Stay Low
Heat will rise in your home, making the upper levels significantly hotter than those below. If you have a basement, prepare to sleep and spend most of your time down there. Retreat to the basement where the air will be significantly cooler. Bring with you pets and other members of your family to ensure everyone will stay cool throughout this hot time. Make sure that during the hottest part of the day you leave your windows shut. If it cools down enough at night, open these windows to let in a breeze.
Watch What You Eat and Drink
The foods and liquids you ingest will make a great impact on how you feel during the summer heat. To start out, make sure that you drink ample amounts of water, keeping yourself hydrated and reducing the core temperature of your body. It is best to drink cool water as this will most effectively manage the temperature of your body. Even if you don’t feel thirsty keep drinking on a regular basis, at least every hour to keep cool. Avoid drinking those beverages that will dehydrate you such as soda and alcohol.
The metabolic process that follows after a heavy meal will raise your body temperature. Because of this, it is important to eat lighter meals throughout the day. Make sure that the meals you do eat aren’t spicy, instead consuming the foods that have more of a potential to cool you down such as watermelon.
Know the Dangerous Symptoms
Despite your best efforts to stay cool, there is still a chance of the heat affecting your health. Because of this, it is important to become familiar with the symptoms associated with these potentially dangerous heat related problems. If you start to experience any of these, seek advanced help immediately:
- heat exhaustion – with this condition you will begin sweating heavily while your skin will become cool and pale. In this situation, you may also notice a weakening of your pulse, along with feelings of dizziness, fainting, the need to vomit, or nausea.
- sunstroke – this will result in a high body temperature, a lack of sweating yet the skin will be red and hot. In addition to this, rapid shallow breaths and a weak pulse are common.
Out of these two conditions, sunstroke is the most dangerous, although both should be taken seriously. The most important thing to do in these situations is to cool off, possibly in a cool shower or swimming pool in the shade.
This summer don’t be caught off guard with extreme temperatures. If the power goes out in your home, there are ways to beat the heat. Be sure to have a plan to keep yourself cool should the worst happen.
