How to stay safe from the killer heat waves?

What are the natural calamities that kill most people in the United States? Most of you will answer the Hurricanes and Tornadoes, but the truth is, they are the extreme weather events! Yes, in recent times, temperatures across the country are frequently dropping below zero degrees. But currently, it is the extreme heat wave that has gripped most parts of the USA.

You might think being out in the Sun is beneficial for health, but when the conditions become such that there is a prolonged period of excessive heat, usually more than 10 degrees above the average temperature, coupled with a lot of humidity, then you must be very careful about venturing out in the open.

Heat waves bring about a host of issues with them and the most common one is Heatstroke. Besides that, you can also get seizures, confusion, headache, you may faint and in the extreme case, you can also die! Well, any of these can happen to you if your body temperature goes beyond 40 degrees from the usual 37 degrees; and the condition is called hyperthermia.

Problems can be more severe and quick for the elderly and young children. Hence it is essential to take great care of yourself at such times and you can do that by any of the following ways:

• As much as you can, avoid the outdoors. Especially the time between 10 am to 4 pm is of severe heat. Venture out only if it is necessary.

• A very basic thing to do during a Heat wave is to dress accordingly. Wear light-colored clothing which will fit loose and with minimum layers. Use sunscreen on your exposed skin.

• Always stay hydrated, drink a lot of water at regular intervals even if you are not thirsty. Avoid alcoholic, sugary drinks or caffeinated beverages as they will actually bring down your body water levels. Also, avoid Ice cool fluids as they may give you stomach cramps.

• Even if you have to go outdoors, avoid activities that may tire you and reduce and use up your energy. Take breaks in the shade at regular intervals. Never be directly under the raging sun for a long time. You can be in AC public spaces like malls, libraries, theatres, shopping centers, etc.

• Try to keep yourself cool whether indoors or outdoors. Stay in optimum air conditioning or under fast-moving fans. Take a cool bath or shower after coming from outside. Eat light and cool foods in small quantities which will be easy to digest like salads and fruits.

• Do not leave pets or children alone in vehicles as the temperature inside a vehicle is usually hotter than outside.

• If you are being indoors without any AC, try to stay on the lowest floor as possible in an appropriately ventilated area.

• Make sure your pets have access to ample water to drink and are in cool spaces, do not take them outdoors.

• Keep yourself updated with the weather announcements, current and predicted temperatures, etc. so as to take any action accordingly and on time.

• Whether you are indoors or outside, look out for the more vulnerable section of people like infants, young children, elders, sick people, etc. be ready to help them at all times.

All because of the global warming crisis, experts are warning that the heat waves will be more frequent, the number of hot days in the USA are only going to increase. It will be helpful if you thorough yourself in managing and tackling the heat wave problem easily and make life bearable for you and your surrounding people.