Tag Archives: heat wave

General Safety Issues, Head Protection

TEN THINGS TO DO DURING A HEATWAVE (Guest Post)

Debbie Denard  http://www.nanny.net/blog

During a heat wave, or a prolonged period of hot and often humid weather, it can be hard to keep the kids cool and entertained. Since a heat wave can pose a serious health risk to those who are exposed to the scorching temperatures, especially babies and young children, it is essential that parents and caregivers know what to do when the weather dictates that everyone stays cool and takes it easy.

If you’re facing a heat wave, consider these 10 things:

1. Avoid the heat. Stay out of the sun, especially during the hottest parts of the day. If you do venture out, be sure everyone has sunscreen and hats on.

2. Turn on the AC. Air conditioning can be a real lifesaver for those facing a heat wave. If you don’t have air conditioning, fill a pan with ice, put a box fan in front of it, and sit in front of the cool air.

3. Stay hydrated. During a heat wave it is essential that everyone stays adequately hydrated. Be sure to drink and offer lots of water and fruit juice. Adults should avoid anything with caffeine or alcohol, as both are considered diuretics.

4. Wear loose clothing. Light, breathable clothing will help keep you cool during hot and humid weather. Remember, the looser the fabric weave, the less protection it offers from the sun.

5. Shut the windows and draw the shades if it’s hotter outside than it is inside. If it is cooler inside than it is outside, keep it that way by closing the windows and shades. Light colored drapes may be more effective at keeping the heat out than darker or metallic colored ones.

6. Take cool baths or showers. Don’t underestimate the power of a cool bath or shower. A cool bath or shower can offer a refreshing break to the heat.

7.  Avoid strenuous activity. Don’t overdo it during a heat wave. During a heat wave, you’ll want to skip yours and the kids exercise routine and keep active outdoor activity to a minimum.

8. Create indoor fun. From playing board games to doing arts and crafts, there are lots of fun things you can do inside with the kids during a heat wave. Older kids may enjoy playing card games and younger kids may enjoy coloring, cutting, and pasting to make their own artful creations. Watching movies together is another way to beat the heat.

9. Eliminate additional sources of heat.  Incandescent light bulbs, appliances, and computers can throw off heat. Shut off and unplug all nonessential electronics during a heat wave to minimize the extra heat that is added to the environment. Instead of turning the oven on to cook, opt for simple suppers like cereal, sandwiches, or other items that don’t require using the oven or stove.

10. Head out for cooler fun.  If the kids get cabin fever, consider heading out for an indoor adventure. Head to a family movie, go for a walk around the mall, take a swim at an indoor pool, or visit other family-friendly, air conditioned venues for something fun to do.

Whatever you do, be sure that everyone keeps cool and hydrated to avoid heat stroke and other heat related illnesses.  Since babies, children, the elderly, and others with preexisting medical conditions are especially vulnerable to heat, be sure to care for them with extra caution during a heat wave.

 Debbie: these are good common-sense ideas, and we appreciate them very much.  It is important that persons of any age protect themselves from the sun and heat as much as possible, by wearing sunscreen,  protective sunglasses, hats, and long-sleeve clothing.  Keep cool by staying inside as much as possible!  Thanks again. pb

General Safety Issues, Weather Protection

AN UNENDING HEAT WAVE!

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Approximately 141 million Americans are living under heat advisories and warnings.  Everywhere you read the news, more and more people are dying because of the heat. High temperatures have already broken records, or are on their way to doing so.  Recently, in some parts of the country, to add insult to injury, there have been destructive and deadly thunderstorms sweeping through.  According to the National Weather Service, heat waves kill more people in the United States than all of the other weather related disasters combined.  The ten-year average – (1997-2006) for heat related deaths in the U.S is 170 in a typical year.  I hope 2011 doesn’t break that record, but I fear that it may.

We often think, “It’s not the heat, it’s the humidity.”  Actually, it’s both.  Heat waves form when high pressure aloft strengthens and remains over a region for several days up to several weeks.  More common in summer, the jet stream follows the sun.  Summertime weather patterns are generally slower to change than in winter.  This results in a mid-level high pressure moving slowly.  Under high pressure, the air sinks toward the surface.  This sinking air acts as a dome capping the atmosphere.  This darned cap helps to trap heat instead of allowing it to lift.  Without the lift, there is little or no convection and therefore little or no cumulus clouds, with minimal chances for rain.  The end result is a continual build-up of heat at the surface that we experience as a heat wave.  Thanks to the National Weather Service for this information.  I have trouble even following the weatherman when it comes to the technical stuff.  But one thing we all know for sure: IT’S HOT!

Heat Index Chart

The National Weather Service wants to protect life and property by explaining a measure of how the hot weather “feels” to the body.  The Heat Index shows a table, which uses relative humidity and dry bulb temperature to produce the “apparent temperature” or the “temperature the body “feels”.  Remember, these values are for shady locations only.  Exposure to full sunshine can increase heat index values by up to 15 degrees F.  Strong winds, especially with very hot, dry air, can be extremely hazardous, as the wind adds heat to the body.

The best advice is to stay inside where it’s cool as much as possible until the weather cools down.  Hopefully, that’s only a few weeks away.  But for those souls who must be outside doing their job, practicing sports, marching in bands, getting ready for school….hopefully, their leaders will do all they can to keep them hydrated.  They must have plenty of water breaks, and when possible, let teams and bands do the practicing at night under lights.  It would be worth more to spend a little money on lights than have a student collapse from the heat, or worse.  So far, the U.S. has had reported deaths of elderly, persons who did not have any type of coolers, children left in cars, athletes, and a high school coach.  The numbers change so often, I wouldn’t even try to report how many so far throughout the country have died from the heat.

Just pay attention to what your weather forecast is, and do all you can to protect yourself from the heat.  Wear a hat, lots of sunscreen, and anything else that will keep you cool.  Don’t walk on hot pavement in sandals.  One lady received 2nd degree burns on both feet when she walked to the grocery store in flip-flops.  It was reported that the pavement was 145 degrees at the time!

Stay cool, pray for rain, and hope that we have an early fall!