Summer is almost here and many of you are probably getting your beach bods ready. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with losing the excess fat to look good in your trunks or bikinis, of course. We just want to remind you that there are other things you should be preparing for come summer, such as a heat wave.
A heat wave is nothing to scoff about. The fact that 74 people died in Quebec in 2018 because of a heat wave is proof enough that this natural disaster should be taken seriously. The United Sates was not spared by this particular heat wave. A total of eighteen states were affected with California one of the worst hit. Different places in California registered record highs including UCLA with 111 °F, Woodland Hills reaching 117 °F and Palm Springs getting as hot as 119 °F all on the same day. The heat wave also caused a number of wildfires in the state, including the deadliest wildfire since the 1918 Cloquet Fire. Now known as Camp Fire, the 2018 wild fire is the deadliest in California to date with at least 85 casualties and 3 missing persons. Back in 2003, 15,000 people in Paris died because of a heat wave.
Furthermore, experts believe that by 2040, heat waves will affect 20% of the total land area of the whole planet. Without thinking that much, you know that’s a huge part of the world. With such statistics staring you in the face, it’s about time to act and start preparing for the heat wave.
Drink and Be Merry
When the body gets too hot inside than out, this will lead to death. Such was the case of a 30-year-old man who died while in a race in New York. His internal temperature supposedly reached 108 °Fahrenheit. In 2018, a 29-year-old former Masterchef contestant also collapsed during the London Marathon. He died in the hospital later. The temperature that day was 24.1 °C or 75 °F, the hottest in the event’s history.
The event organizers did their best to help keep the runners hydrated. They offered water, ice and even showers at the event. However, these were apparently not enough.
In the event of a heat wave, one thing you should do is to make sure you drink plenty of fluids, especially water. If you have to go out, make sure you have a water bottle or hydration pack so you can take a sip anytime you feel perched.
Don’t Let the Sunshine In
Prevent hot air from entering your home by keeping the doors and windows closed. Use blinds or anti-sun curtains to keep the heat out, especially when the sun is its full might.
Be Cool
I know, I know. I said to keep the doors shut to prevent hot air from coming in. But if hot air is already trapped inside or manages to seep through into the house, you will need to open at least one door. Open the door and point a box fan towards it. The fan will push out the hot air through the open door allowing colder air to enter your home.
This could be avoided if you have proper ventilation at home. Install exhaust fans in strategic areas to push out the hot air. If you can’t afford an exhaust fan just yet, then you can try the box fan technique.
Open your windows once the air outside gets cooler, particularly at night.
Stay Cold, Ponyboy
Having an air conditioner at home is great way to fight the heat wave. However, this will take a toll on your fiancés, particularly your electric bill. Aside from the AC, you can use fans to promote air circulation to lessen the heat in your home.
Just Add Water
Another way to keep your body cool is to take a bath. However, you can’t stay in the bath tub or take a shower for too long since some of you have places to go plus the water bill will likely shoot through the roof.
To take advantage of the power of water, you can fill a spray bottle with cold water (or keep it on the fridge) and spray yourself every now and then. You can also fill a bucket with water and soak our feet in it. Another method is to place wet towels on your head or shoulders to keep your body cool.
Don’t Go Out
It’s not advised to go out during a heat wave. If you’re outdoors, make sure to stay under a shade all the time. Staying under the sun is a huge risk as what the runners mentioned above found out the hard way.
If you have to go out, always bring a bottle of water so you can stay hydrated. Try to accomplish your tasks inside air-conditioned buildings, as well. Also, avoid taking your kids or pets with you. If there’s no other choice, at least don’t leave them inside the car while you do the grocery or something. Heat wave or not, you’re putting them at risk if you leave them in the car and under the sun.
Be Smart, Dress Smart
If you really have to go out during a heat wave, wear the proper attire. Many people wear shorts and sleeveless shirts to stay cool but the truth is, it’s better to wear long-flowing and loose-fitting clothes. You’re exposing your skin to direct heat and sunlight if you wear shorts. With loose clothes, air will circulate allowing your body to stay cooler.
Heat escapes from your head. Wearing a hat will keep the heat from escaping. A wide-brimmed straw hat will protect you from the sun still allowing heat to escape from your head.
Your eyes will need protection from the sun whether there’s a heat wave or not. Wear a nice pair of UV sunglasses.
Stock Up
When it gets really hot and it’s no longer advisable to go out during a heat wave, you will be forced to stay at home and try your best to stay cool. If that’s the case, you should have enough food, water and other supplies to keep you alive or at least after things get better outside.
Every prepper knows it’s important to stockpile food and water. Even if a heat wave is improbable, you still should have enough supplies in your home in case you have to deal with other emergency situations.
Heat Wave Emergency Kit
Using the same logic as above, you must build an emergency kit in case of natural disasters or other emergency scenarios. When it comes to a heat wave, your bug out bags should have plenty of water for drinking and for cooling body. You may also want to pack hand fans and portable mini fans.
It pays to be cool in every sense of the word. When it comes to coping with a heat wave, you have to do your best to stay cool. You also need to be ready for its effects including the possibility of wild fires. Check out the article below to know what you should do to survive wild fires. Visit The Gentleman Pirate to gain more valuable tips and information about dealing with such disasters.
Just a disclaimer – We have partnered with these companies because we use their products and/or proudly trust and endorse them – so we do receive a commission if you make a purchase or sign up for services. Often, we are able to negotiate special discounts and/or bonuses, which we will pass on to you via our links. We often get short notice on sale items available for 24-48 hours as we will pass these savings onto you.
