When Is it TOO Hot Outside? Heat Safety Tips

Remember when we were in the throes of winter?  When the thermometer barely rose above freezing and alarm clocks were set earlier to accommodate the need to shovel the driveway each day?  Those days when it seemed like the sun only showed up for a few hours before we were back in darkness again?  At that time, the thought of temperatures ever being TOO hot probably seemed ridiculous.

Now, here we are.  Schools are letting out, pools are filling up, and the thermometer is rising.  With highs clocking in at over 90 degrees, suddenly “TOO hot” doesn’t seem so crazy.  The thing is, that isn’t just us being ungrateful.  We all remember the days of layering up just to take the garbage out, and we are glad for the cold weather reprieve.  When the temperatures are really high, being too hot isn’t only about comfort.

It’s about safety.

Heat related illnesses, such as heat rash, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke are very real.  Heat stroke, when not addressed, can even lead to death.  Certain people are more susceptible than others, such as pregnant women, the elderly, infants and kids.

According to John Hopkins Medicine, “Children and teens adjust more slowly than adults do to changes in environmental heat.”  They go on to explain that children and teens sweat less and are less likely to stop playing even if they are feeling hot.

So, how can you keep you and your family safe?

Be aware of who in your family is more likely to be affected by the heat–especially those who can’t tell you if they are feeling sick.  In an article for fitPregnancy, Dr. Jan Montague, director of pediatrics at Good Samaritan Hospital in Suffern, NY explains that anything over 80 degrees Fahrenheit can be too hot for a newborn.

1. When in doubt, keep your babies, kids, and elderly parents inside if you feel like it may be too hot.

2. Also, know that your body will react differently to heat depending on how well rested and how well hydrated you are.  If you know you have a long hot day ahead of you, try to get a good night’s sleep the night before and drink plenty of water.

3. When things start to feel too hot, the best thing to do is get to a cool place.  If you have air conditioning, make sure that it is running on hot days in order to give your body a break from the heat.  It is a good idea to have your air conditioner inspected at the beginning of summer so you know that it is working properly.

For more information about keeping you and your family cool and safe, contact FLAME Heating, Cooling, Plumbing, and Electrical!