The United States is facing quite a predicament as a dangerous heat wave is expected to reach the country anytime soon. This is something that shouldn’t be taken lightly, especially by people who spend most of their days outdoors. Everyone is advised to take the necessary precautions to be better equipped to survive deadly heat outdoors.
This year alone, heat waves have affected Australia, Japan, Pakistan, Europe, and the southeastern United States. Most of these areas had record highs in temperature. One man and a number of animals died during the Australian heat wave.
In 2018, more than 210 deaths were reported after heat waves enveloped Pakistan, India, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Mexico, Canada, Japan, and some parts of Europe. Here in the US, Arizona, Colorado, and California were affected by the deadly heat.
We can go on citing every heat wave that happened for the last decade or so but that would take up so much of our time. To cut the story short and proceed to more important matters such as knowing how to survive deadly heat outdoors, let’s just agree that heat waves are getting worse each year and people have suffered or died mainly because they were ill-prepared for such a horrific situation.
Wear the Right Clothes
Avoid those body-hugging tank tops and yoga pants. Let go of that goth or emo get-up for now. You need to wear lightweight, light-colored and loose clothes to survive deadly heat outdoors. Heavy and thick clothes make your body work more. When that happens, more energy is burned thus generating more heat, which is something you definitely don’t want during a heat wave.
Dark absorbs light. Wear white and other light colors to reflect the light and the heat that comes with it. You should also wear cotton clothes. They absorb moisture on your body allowing evaporation, which in turn, allow the body to cool off.
Clothes should cover as much ski as possible. Outdoor workers wear long-sleeved shirts and pants to keep the UV radiation at bay.
Wear Sun Protection
Sunscreen
The clothes can only do so much. Apply sunscreen for the areas left exposed, particularly your face. Use at least SPF 50 sunscreen. Apply a generous amount around 20 minutes before going out. Keep your sunscreen handy since you’ll need to re-apply every two hours that you’re under the sun.
Hat
A sun hat or any wide-brimmed hat will help shield your face and neck against direct sunlight. Find a hat that is made of UPF rated fabric.
Avoid Staying Directly Under the Sun
On normal days, many of you probably don’t like to stand under the sun since you end up feeling hot and icky. Unless you’re going for a tan, that is. During a heat wave, however, it’s wise not to be out in the open for long periods.
Outdoor workers are more exposed to UV radiation than most folks. Now imagine them working despite a heat wave. For many of them, skipping on work because it’s too hot is a no-no.
You’ve got to earn your keep and bring home the bacon,” they would say. It’s a sad and unfortunate truth. Outdoor workers have to compensate to earn a living. That means finding ways to survive deadly heat outdoors.
Find a shade every time you have to stay outdoors. If you’re in the construction business, which keeps you out in the open all day, the best way to survive deadly heat outdoors is to build a makeshift shade. Use a tarp or a piece of plywood to cover yourself from the sun.
Get out of the sun and take a rest from time to time. Stay under a shade and rehydrate before proceeding with your task. It’s important to get a feel of your body and know when it’s time to take a break so you’re more capable to survive deadly heat outdoors.
An umbrella will also come in handy when you have to walk under the sun. Make sure your umbrella is made of thick material, which is better in providing temporary shade from the sun. Umbrellas became pretty popular during the heat waves in Europe and Japan.
Keep Hydrated
Whether you’re out working or in the comforts of your home, you should always drink plenty of water during a heat wave.
Heat stress is no laughing matter. People exposed to heat for a prolonged period of time are susceptible to injuries and illnesses. They can suffer from heat stroke, cramps, rashes, and exhaustion. And those are just the minor effects.
A life-threatening heat wave, like the one about to hit the country if it hasn’t yet, can kill people and other living things. To survive deadly heat outdoors,
Stay hydrated even after the sun goes down. It’s still pretty hot at night during a heat wave so make sure you have that bottle of water nearby.
Eating fruits such as melon and watermelon will also help your body stay hydrated and better equipped to survive deadly heat outdoors. Find out other foods and drinks to have during a heat wave here.
Avoid Caffeine and Sugar
When we said hydrate, we meant drink lots of water. Avoid drinking coffee, juice and other drinks that have caffeine and/or sugar. Many of you may have put up a fighting stance after reading that you can’t have your coffee.
It’s quite understandable why you want to start your day with a hot cup of coffee so go ahead and have one. Just make sure that’s the only one you drink for the day. Sugary beverages and too much coffee will only make you dehydrated.
Get Wet
France was hit bad in 2003 when an estimated 15,000 died from extreme heat. This year, the French learned their lessons and took advantage of every opportunity to cool down and beat the heat. In Paris, for example, people were encouraged to get wet in the Trocadero fountain near the Eiffel Tower.
If you work in a resort, you could maybe go for a quick dip every once in a while. Surely with the dangerous heat wave, your employers would understand why you’re dripping wet.
Seriously, though, you need to find a way to cool down when you spend most of your tome outdoors. If you can’t go for a swim or take a shower every now and then, you can at least wash your face and maybe even your arms.
Another way to cool down and survive deadly heat outdoors is to place a wet towel or washcloth over your nape. You can also pour water in a small bin and soak your feet.
Keep a small spray bottle filled with water in your pocket. Spray yourself every now and then to keep your temperature down.to
Finally, find a way to not go outdoors at all. Instead of heading out and going for a long drive to meet a client or attend a meeting, suggest to discuss things over the phone or online. You’ll be in the comforts of your own home or office yet still accomplish something.
For those in the field of construction and other outdoor workers, you could say no to a job if it means putting your life and the lives of your co-workers in jeopardy. If you can’t afford to lie low for a while, just make sure you follow the tips above and every other tip you come across to help you survive deadly heat outdoors. Visit Gentleman Pirate Club regularly and get to know more heat wave survival tips.
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