Seven Tips To Combat Extreme Heat

(Photo – Reg Green)

An extended heat wave can be dangerous and sometimes life-threatening.

By News Desk

Here are seven tips:

1- Home

• Check your window air conditioner to see if it is snugly installed; if not, insulate around it.
• Check the air conditioning filter to see if it needs replacement.
• Install temporary window reflectors (for use between windows and drapes).  You can place aluminum foil-covered cardboard on the windows to reflect heat back outside.
• Weather-strip doors and sills to keep cool air in.
• Cover windows that receive morning and afternoon sun.
• Drapes, shades, awnings, or outdoor awnings and louvers can reduce the heat that enters a home by up to 8 percent.

2- Clothing

• Loose-fitting
• Lightweight
• Light-colored: Avoid dark colors indoors and outdoors as they absorb the heat.
• Natural fabrics: cotton, linen, hemp, bamboo, silk, rayon
• Avoid polyester and flannel: They cause you to sweat.
• Cover up your skin outdoors.
• Wear a hat.

3- Air-conditioned places

• Public Libraries: They are air conditioned with lots of stuff to do.
• The City of Pasadena will activate a cooling center at Robinson Park Recreation Center, 1081 N. Fair Oaks Ave.: from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm: – Friday, Sept. 2 and Saturday Sept.3.
• Coffee shops: This is an obvious choice for many -if you like crowded places.
• Movies: You can go see a movie and escape the heat for few hours. At the Academy Theater you can celebrate National Cinema Day with $3 tickets and a special sneak peek of upcoming titles featuring your favorite stars – only on September 3!.

4- Consumption

• Avoid alcoholic, carbonated, and caffeinated beverages: They can dehydrate you.
• Drink cool (not icy cold) liquids to help lower your body temperature.
• Drink more than you think you need: Replenish the liquid removed by sweating. (If you are on a fluid-restricted diet or have a problem with fluid retention, you should consult a doctor before increasing liquid intake).
• Eat light: Fresh fruits, vegetables, and cold salads keep your body cool. Avoid hot foods and high-calorie/high-protein meals as they raise your body’s temperature.

5- Use common sense

• If you have to exercise, pace yourself.
• Avoid strenuous work during the warmest part of the day.
• Breathe through the nose in order to avoid water escaping through the mouth.
• Never leave children and pets in parked cars.
• Look out for others: Family, friends, elderly neighbors can all be affected by the heat. Watch for signs of heat stress and exhaustion.

6- Know the symptoms of heat stress

• Pallor
• Cool, clammy skin, sweating
• Extreme fatigue, weakness
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Light-headedness
• Vomiting
• Fainting
• Complaining of feeling hot
• Thirst

7- Heatstroke symptoms

• Red, flushed skin (may become pale)
• A body temperature of 106ºF (41ºC) or higher
• Seizures
• Extreme headache
• Rapid breathing
• Rapid pulse
• Sweating ceases
• Confusion
• Unconsciousness.