Protect Yourself from Summer’s Dangerous Heat
I like to play a little hydration game during the hot months: every time I hear a weather forecaster use words like hot, heat, broiling, blazing, scorching, sizzling, sweltering, blistering, or oppressive — or phrases like “fry an egg on the sidewalk” — I take a drink of water, juice, or a sports beverage.
With how often extreme heat strikes, staying hydrated is critical.
Why Summers Keep Getting Hotter
Global temperatures have been rising for decades. Weather patterns like El Niño also play a role, bringing warmer sea-surface temperatures that heat the atmosphere even more.
Extreme heat is the number one weather-related killer in the U.S., causing hundreds of deaths annually, especially during blackouts when air conditioning fails. Older adults are especially vulnerable.
Health Risks from Extreme Heat
Heat can cause:
- Heat rash: Blocked sweat glands cause blisters or inflamed, itchy lumps.
- Heat cramps: Involuntary muscle spasms from fluid and electrolyte loss.
- Dehydration: Not enough water in the body to function properly.
- Heat stroke: A dangerous overheating of the body that can damage organs if untreated.
How to Stay Cool in a Power Outage
- Service your air conditioner before the season starts.
- Remove debris from around your AC unit.
- Wear loose, light-colored clothing made from cotton or linen.
- Stay on the lowest, coolest level of your home and block off hotter rooms.
- Use battery-powered fans and natural ventilation; open windows at night if it’s cooler outside.
- Drink plenty of water and fluids with electrolytes; avoid caffeine and alcohol.
- Keep fridge and freezer doors closed; move perishables to a cooler if outages last beyond four hours.
- Cook with outdoor grills safely.
- Stock a first-aid kit with essentials.
- Close drapes and blinds during the day.
- Take cool showers daily.
- Spend time in air-conditioned public places if necessary.
- Check on vulnerable family, friends, and neighbors.
With a few simple precautions, you can stay safe, healthy, and cool during even the hottest summers.