A heat wave is a long period of excessive heat, often accompanied by high humidity. When external temperatures and humidity increase and persist over a rather long period of time, they can be a health hazard, because evaporation slows down and the body struggles to maintain a normal temperature. The risks vary according to age and physical condition, but by preparing for a heat wave and knowing the right precautions to take, the most deleterious damage to health can be prevented.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Preparing the Family for a Heat Wave
Step 1. Prepare an emergency kit
It is advisable to have a kit at home containing the main necessities for emergency situations. Just one can be enough to cope with most of the possible eventualities. You just have to collect some essential items for the family and put them in a safe place in case you need them. Stocks should be enough for 72 hours.
- 4 liters of water per day per person.
- Simple ingredients to prepare enough food for three days.
- All necessary medications.
- Sanitary and personal hygiene items.
- A flashlight or pocket flashlight.
- A first aid kit.
- A cell phone.
- Stocks of batteries.
Step 2. Make a plan for the whole family to communicate
It makes sense to think about how different family members can keep in touch if they don't live together. A great way to make sure you don't lose contact is to fill out a card with a list of all the phone numbers and addresses to give to each person.
- This is a card in which you can write down phone numbers and to keep in a different place than where you keep your cell phone.
- If the traffic on the telephone network is heavy, it is easier to receive text messages than to make calls.
Step 3. Consider taking a basic first aid course
If you live in an area with frequent periods of excessive heat or if you just want to learn some useful skills, you can take a course to learn the basics of first aid. Find one in your area and sign up. Please note that some may be paid. The preparation you will receive can come in handy during a heat wave.
Step 4. Know who is most vulnerable
Excessive heat can cause health problems for anyone, but there are categories of people for whom it is more dangerous than for others. Children, the elderly, and people who are sick or overweight are at greater risk of suffering from sickness due to high temperatures and humidity.
- If there is someone in the family who belongs to one of the categories described, they have top priority in receiving help.
- Make sure she understands the dangers of intense heat.
Step 5. Follow the local weather forecast
It goes without saying, but if you want to be prepared for a heat wave, you need to know if it's coming and be aware of the forecast regarding temperatures. Stay up to date on the weather news related to where you live, especially if you are in an area characterized by excessive heat.
Step 6. Realize that environmental conditions can aggravate the risks
If you live in an area that has experienced intense overbuilding, the effects of a heat wave could be more disastrous. Asphalt and concrete store heat longer and release it gradually during the night, increasing night temperatures. This effect is known as an "urban heat island".
The invariability of atmospheric conditions and poor air quality (due to smog and pollution) can also worsen a heat wave
Method 2 of 4: Prepare the House for a Heat Wave
Step 1. Get air conditioners if you don't have a central air conditioning system
Preparing your home for a heat wave involves taking a number of reasonable steps that can help keep the air inside your home cool by preventing hot air from entering. If you have air conditioning devices, make sure they have been installed correctly. If there are drafts around where they were mounted, insulate them.
- Also, you need to make sure your air conditioning vents and ducts are well insulated as well.
- It would be a good idea to repair or replace a faulty appliance before it is necessary to use it.
Step 2. Install temporary window reflectors
A pretty quick thing to do to keep the house as cool as possible is to install some reflectors on the window panes. Therefore, it is necessary to use a reflective material, such as aluminum foil or aluminum foil, by wrapping it around a cardboard. It will send back the sunlight instead of absorbing it.
- Mount the reflectors between the glass and the curtains.
- You could only do this in one or two rooms, choosing the ones where you spend the most time.
Step 3. Cover the windows facing east and south
In addition to spotlights, it wouldn't be a bad idea to cover sun-struck windows with curtains, parasols, awnings or blinds. By closing the inner blinds, you will notice a certain difference, but the outer covers and shutters can reduce the ingress of heat by up to 80%.
Step 4. Keep the counter windows closed
Consider using them all year round. During a heat wave they will help you to keep the heat from entering the house, in the same way that they help not to lose heat during the winter by protecting you from the cold. They are an additional form of insulation from external heat.
By keeping the house isolated as much as possible, you will be able to stay cool
Method 3 of 4: Keeping Cool and Hydrated During a Heat Wave
Step 1. Stay well hydrated
Numerous health problems associated with dehydration can arise during a heat wave, so drinking plenty of water is vital. Even if you're not thirsty, keep drinking regularly. Avoid drinks that contain a lot of caffeine, such as coffee and tea, and severely limit your alcohol intake. In some cases, it is necessary to consult a doctor before increasing the amount of fluids to be ingested:
- If you have epilepsy, heart, liver and kidney problems;
- If you follow a diet characterized by a restriction of fluid consumption and if you have problems with water retention.
Step 2. Eat properly
It is important to keep eating, but you should adapt your eating habits to the external thermal conditions. To effectively control body temperature it is necessary to consume appropriate foods in the right quantities. Eat a well-balanced, light and regular diet, rather than eating two or three large dishes, otherwise you will struggle to digest them and your body temperature may rise.
- Foods rich in protein, such as meat and nuts, increase the body's production of heat.
- Fresh fruit, salads, healthy snacks, and vegetables are great options.
- If you sweat excessively, it replenishes lost salts and minerals, as well as fluids.
- Fruit juices or sports drinks containing electrolytes are ideal, but do not take salt capsules unless prescribed by your doctor.
Step 3. Stay home and keep cool
The best way to reduce heat exposure is to stay out of the sun. Try to locate the coolest room in the house and try to spend most of your time in there. If your house has more than one level or you live in a building spread over several floors, try to stay on the lower level.
Another great way to lower your body temperature is to take cold showers and spray yourself with cold water
Step 4. Use the air conditioning
If you have air conditioning devices in your home, you will feel the benefit. If not, consider spending the hottest part of the day (or even the evening) in public buildings such as libraries, schools, cinemas, shopping malls, and other facilities in your area. In several countries, by decision of public authorities, they are left open for longer when heat waves occur, so be informed about them.
- In some places, there are also specific centers that help people cool off.
- If you don't have an air conditioning system in your home, a fan can also help circulate the air.
Step 5. Dress appropriately to beat the heat
Indoors and outdoors, it is important to eliminate heavy clothing and wear as little clothing as possible, within the limits of personal and public decorum, of course! Wear loose, light and even slightly colored clothing. A great choice is natural fabrics, such as linen and hemp. Avoid wearing polyester and flannel clothes, otherwise they will make you sweat, hindering perspiration.
- If you go out, use sunscreen to avoid sunburn and protect your head and face with a hat, but be careful not to overheat your head.
- Consider wearing sports clothing made from synthetic fibers and intended to help perspiration.
- Avoid dark colors, as they absorb heat.
Step 6. Don't go through exhausting training sessions
Avoid strenuous exercise. It is especially important during the hottest hours of the day, usually between 11am and 3pm. If you would like to practice outdoors, ask a friend to accompany you so that you are not alone. Take frequent breaks and stay hydrated.
- If your heart is beating fast or you are short of breath, stop immediately.
- Go to a cool place to rest and drink plenty of fluids.
Method 4 of 4: Caring for Others During a Heat Wave
Step 1. Keep an eye on neighbors, family and friends
It is important to take care of others as well as yourself, especially if you are surrounded by people who may be particularly weak in excessive heat or who are likely unable to fend for themselves. If you know that a neighbor lives alone and may have health problems due to the heat (especially if they don't have air conditioning), try getting in touch with their family so they can help.
- If this is not possible, consider getting help from the emergency services.
- Either way, you can mitigate the problem simply by helping people stay cool and hydrated.
- It is also good to give them a hand to reach an air-conditioned place.
Step 2. Never leave children or pets in parked cars
Do not do this even for limited periods of time. The temperature inside the car can reach 49 ° C, or exceed it, in a matter of minutes, just enough to kill someone quickly. Keep an eye on animals and family members, making sure they have enough water and shade.
Step 3. Pay attention to symptoms related to ailments caused by heat
Keep an eye on all family members and those close to you. Stay alert and explain to them the importance of taking steps to minimize the negative consequences of a heat wave. One symptom of these disorders is heat cramps, painful spasms that occur in the arms, legs and abdomen.
Step 4. Recognize the symptoms of heat exhaustion
It is a serious clinical syndrome that must be treated as soon as possible. There are a number of symptoms to be noted which include cool and clammy skin, sweating, fatigue, lightheadedness, dizziness and general physical weakness.
- If someone is suffering from heat exhaustion, they should be taken to a cool place, given plenty of water, and excess clothing removed.
- You should start feeling better within half an hour, without suffering any further physical repercussions.
- If not rescued, there is a risk that heat exhaustion will turn into heatstroke, a much more serious condition.
Step 5. Identify and react to heat stroke
It occurs when the body temperature rises dangerously and the body begins to overheat, unable to cool itself. This is a much more serious condition than heat exhaustion, so it's important to know the symptoms and what to do. Signs to watch out for include: dry skin, confusion, dizziness, headache, thirst, nausea, hyperventilation, and muscle cramps. If you notice them, seek immediate medical attention. While waiting for an ambulance you can help:
- Lead the person to a cool place;
- Increase air circulation, using a fan or opening windows;
- Give water to drink, but not medications;
- Spray or immerse the body in fresh water, not cold, between 15 and 18 ° C;
- Cover the body with fresh, damp sheets or towels
Advice
- Don't embark on difficult journeys and don't move excessively during the day. If you really have to travel, it's best to do it at night, when temperatures are lower.
- Keep a portable fan with you, especially when you go out. It can save your life on a crowded bus!
- Make sure you have enough water to drink.
- During a heat wave, drink 1 liter of water every two hours.
- If you have chores to do outside the home during a heat wave, take breaks in air-conditioned places when you feel quite hot.
- Try putting a bottle of water in the freezer overnight. It will be frozen as soon as it is taken, but it will melt and stay cold throughout the day.
- Test your urine to see if you are dehydrated. Under normal conditions it should be slightly tinted or a light yellow color. If it is darker, you may be dehydrated. In the latter case, you need to drink more water.
- Always pay close attention to people who are at greater risk of suffering from sickness due to excessive heat.
Warnings
- Unfortunately, heat waves also cause forest fires in areas affected by drought. Be careful if you travel or live in these areas.
- Waves and heat storms (the latter last longer and are more severe) must be taken seriously. Use common sense.
- Listen to the news, especially the weather forecast section, to take the necessary precautions against a possible heat wave.
- In some countries, if the law requires reducing water consumption, there is a risk of paying rather hefty fines or even ending up in prison if these directives are not respected.
- If the area where you live is affected by drought, observe the laws and related regulations, for example, avoiding watering the lawn and filling the pool.
