Staying Safe During a Heat Wave

We are seeing record-breaking temperatures throughout the country this summer. Are you prepared for the next heat wave?

Certain areas of the country are used to extremely high temperatures in the summertime. Going outside while the temperature is in the triple digits is not abnormal to people who live in Arizona, and they are pretty well equipped to deal with extreme temperatures. However, residents of the pacific northwest have been experiencing similar temperatures this year – for the first time ever – and it’s come as quite a shock to many.

Many people find that high temperatures make them uncomfortable, but heat waves can be downright dangerous. Here are some heat wave safety tips so you can get through this scorcher and the ones in the future (because they’re likely to continue).

  1. Stay hydrated
    They say that “if you feel thirsty, you’re already dehydrated.” Drink plenty of water throughout the day and try to get in a few beverages that have electrolytes and minerals, too. Sports drinks are great for rehydrating, but you don’t want to rely on them completely because they have a high sugar content which can cause more fluid loss.
  2. Dress appropriately
    Even if you feel tempted to wear as little clothing as possible on a hot day, it’s important to protect yourself from the sun. If you have to go outside during a heat heave, wear loose-fitting clothing that has moisture-wicking properties and UV protection. Protect your eyes with UV blocking sunglass and wear sunscreen that has an SPF of 30 or higher.
  3. Have a backup power source
    Heat waves are known to cause power outages because everyone is running air conditioning units and fans 24/7. Have a portable power station handy so you can run fans, air conditioning units, and charge electronic devices. The Duracell PowerSource has enough power to keep a full-sized refrigerator running for 5-hours.
  4. Black out the windows
    Use black out curtains or blankets to cover your windows during a heat wave so sunlight can’t get in and warm up your house. Aluminum foil on windows with the shiny side out is also very effective for keeping out heat and sunlight. Not only will this help keep your home a more comfortable temperature, but it will help offset the cost of running cooling appliances.
  5. Stay indoors
    The best heat wave safety tip is to stay out of the sun as much as possible. Get everyone (including pets!) pets inside where it’s cooler and you have access to water. Cancel plans to attend outdoor events and only let the dogs out for enough time to go to the bathroom. Find an indoor alternative for your regular walks, runs, and bike rides.

The heat wave won’t last forever, and you will be able to get back to your normal routine soon enough! Following these heat wave safety tips will make sure you’re healthy enough to get back out there once the temperatures drop.

Check back regularly for more health and safety tips from Duracell Power!

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