As summer approaches, we can expect temperatures to keep climbing.
It can get hot in our area of the country - real hot. And that's just fine for many people - those who are healthy and can escape the heat whenever they want in air-conditioned houses, cars and offices.
But many in our area - especially the elderly and our poorer citizens - suffer the summer months without even a window unit to keep them cool. Most rely on electric fans to keep the air circulating. But some don't even have so much as a fan to provide relief from the heat.
Summer heat can be deadly. But here are some tips for keeping cool on hot days from the Federal Emergency Management Agency website at www.fema.gov:
- Stay indoors as much as possible and limit exposure to the sun.
- Stay on the lowest floor out of the sunshine if air conditioning is not available.
- Consider spending the warmest part of the day in public buildings such as libraries, schools, movie theaters, shopping malls, and other community facilities. Circulating air can cool the body by increasing the perspiration rate of evaporation.
- Eat well-balanced, light, and regular meals. Avoid using salt tablets unless directed to do so by a physician.
- Drink plenty of water. Persons who have epilepsy or heart, kidney, or liver disease, are on fluid-restricted diets, or have a problem with fluid retention should consult a doctor before increasing liquid intake.
- Limit intake of alcoholic beverages.
- Dress in loose-fitting, lightweight, and light-colored clothes that cover as much skin as possible.
- Protect face and head by wearing a wide-brimmed hat.
- Check on family, friends, and neighbors who do not have air conditioning and who spend much of their time alone.
- Never leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles.
- Avoid strenuous work during the warmest part of the day. Use a buddy system when working in extreme heat, and take frequent breaks.
Keeping cool in the summer heat is about more than staying comfortable - it's about staying alive.