Tips To Survive When You Are Stuck In Intense Heat

Is Hot Weather Dangerous?

image source: reddit.com

We all love those hot summer days, which is why it's so easy to forgot how dangerous extreme heat can actually be. It's so important to protect yourself from dehydration and extreme circumstances, because hot weather can actually kill if you're not prepared for it. But don't worry - we got your back!

Tips To Survive Intense Heat: Prepare Your Air Conditioning

image source: reddit.com

The first thing you're going to reach for when the hot weather hits is your air conditioning, but what if you go to turn it on and there's a fault? It's so important to plan ahead for extreme temperatures before they even happen, so make sure to get your air conditioning cleaned and serviced during the months it's out of use!

Take Bottles Of Water With You Wherever You Go

image source: reddit.com

You're probably sick of hearing people telling you to drink more water these days, but good hydration is never not going to be important! But in intense heat? It's life or death! You not only need to take at least one bottle of water with you wherever you go, but backup bottles are a good idea - because you're going to drain them in no time.

And Drink Even When You're Not Thirsty!

image source: reddit.com

Drinking water isn't for just when you feel parched due to hot weather - drinking water is there to replenish the water lost through sweating, not just for when you feel thirsty. On an extremely hot day, you're going to be sweating buckets, so you need to drink water non-stop even when you're not thirsty, to replace that lost fluid.

Limit Time Spent In A Hot Car

image source: reddit.com

If you can avoid going out in a car altogether during extremely hot days, this is the best option, but we know it's not as easy as that. Driving with the AC on or the windows down is easy enough, but the key here is never to stay in a hot, locked car with the windows closed - and we specifically mean pets and young children, even if you're only leaving them for a minute or so.

Stay Inside During The Hottest Part Of The Day If You Can

image source: reddit.com

There's a reason people in Spain and the hottest countries take a siesta, and this is so they can escape the heat during the hottest times of the day! Peak times will be midday and early afternoon, so if you can stay inside during those hours, you'll be limiting the risk of extreme sun exposure at its fullest!

Avoid Anything Strenuous During The Hottest Time

image source: parkrunblog.com

We know it's not always easy to stay inside during these peak hours, because unless it's a weekend, chances are you've somewhere to be early afternoon. If you have to go out, at least make sure you're not doing anything strenuous that's going to use energy and make you sweat even more. So no afternoon runs through the park!

Find The Shade!

image source: reddit.com

Shade is a key relief during extreme temperatures, so if you're out and about, staying in the shade as much as possible is going to keep you safe. If you're in an open space like a park, find a tree, or if you're out shopping, stay under awnings or sit inside restaurants rather than outside.

Wear Sunscreen

image source: reddit.com

This isn't just about protecting your skin from the extreme UV rays - though of course, that's priority. Wearing sunscreen also means you can avoid that painful sunburn which is going to make navigating extreme temperatures even more painful and uncomfortable!

Wear A Hat

image source: reddit.com

A wide-brimmed hat is going to help in intense heat, because your head is the one place most subjected to that unrelenting sun beating down on you! A hat is not only going to stop your head from feeling like it's boiling up, but it's going to provide shade on your face, too.

Don't Forget Your Sunglasses

image source: aliexpress.com

Sunglasses aren't just a fashion statement, after all! There are a couple of reasons to make sure you remember your sunglasses. They're going to protect your eyes and face from UV damage, but also - on extremely hot days - you're going to be squinting and hardly able to see, which will make you vulnerable.

Losing Layers Is A Good Idea, But Cover Up Your Neck And Shoulders

image source: reddit.com

For this we mean something like a thin scarf or shawl you can easily drape around your neck and shoulders. You should wear as little layers as possible, but your neck and shoulders are extremely vulnerable to extreme heat - and when the back of your neck is targeted, it can run the risk of feeling worse with headaches and dizziness.

There's Nothing Wrong With A Sun Umbrella!

image source: reddit.com

At the end of the day, umbrellas aren't just for rain! If you don't have a hat, or you can't be bothered with a shawl, there's nothing wrong taking a small sun umbrella around with you to keep you protected and also provide a travel-sized piece of shade! You can also set it up above you if you're sitting outside.

Try To Stay On Lower Levels

image source: zoopla.com

Heat rises, which is why top-level rooms are going to be the worst in extreme heat. If you have a multi-floor house, then try to stay on the ground floor as much as possible. If you're in an office block, you might want to avoid being on the very top floor if you can - if you can move your laptop around with you, speak to your boss about working in a lower office room!

You Can Go DIY With A Fan And Some Ice

image source: reddit.com

Air conditioning is expensive, or maybe the worst has happened and yours has gone kaput right when you need it. If you're in a pickle, then you can make your own air conditioning with a mobile fan and a supply of ice. Place a tray or dish of ice right in front of the fan and it'll cool you (and the room) down.

Avoid Alcohol And Caffeinated Drinks

image source: reddit.com

We know when the hot weather hits all you want is a cold one at your latest outdoor bar, but avoiding alcohol - as well as caffeinated drinks - is so important in extreme heat. Alcohol is extremely dehydrating, and you definitely do not want to be battling a hangover while having heatstroke either. Coffee and other caffeinated drinks should also be avoided, because they're dehydrating, too.

Eat Smaller Meals More Often

image source: reddit.com

Keeping your energy up and eating regular meals is vital in extreme heat. You will be more at risk of being weak, feeling sick and fainting on an empty stomach when it's so hot. We know that the hot weather can sometimes make it feel like you don't want to eat, but cold food and salads are great for this. It's better to eat small portions throughout the day, rather than waiting hours for your next big meal.

Concentrate On Fruit And Veg With High Water Content

image source: reddit.com

Food is also going to be key at keeping you hydrated in extreme heat, so you'll want to make sure you're eating food with high water content. Fruit and vegetables are going to be important for this - and it's also healthy, so it's a win win really! Cucumbers are around 96% water, so these are your best bet!

Wear As Loose-Fitting Clothing As Possible

image source: reddit.com

Tight clothing is going to trap heat and make you feel hotter in extreme temperatures - not to mention it's just uncomfortable when it's so hot. Plan ahead for your day's outfits so that you can wear loose and thin clothes. Dresses, skirts, shorts, light linen shirts... whatever you have to do!

Get To Know The Symptoms Of Heat Stroke

image source: reddit.com

Heat stroke is the danger you have to contend with when the weather is so hot - but you need to know what to look for so that you know when it's happening. Heat stroke is when the body's temperature rises dangerously and it can't cool itself down. Mild symptoms that heat stroke is happening include dizziness, vomiting, fainting and feeling clammy. When the situation gets worse, you could be confused, have slurred speech and even lose consciousness.

Carry A Cold Water Bottle Spray/Mist

image source: reddit.com

A great and easy way to cool down - and keep cool throughout the day - is to take a spray mist bottle around with you full of cold water. Spray this on your face, neck, chest and arms when you're getting too hot. You can buy cooling sprays, but you can easily make it yourself at home for free if you have a bottle. Simply fill it with water!

Use A Cold Wet Cloth On Your Pressure Points

image source: reddit.com

If you feel like you're overheating, one of the best ways to bring your body temperature back down is to use a wash cloth soaked in cold water, and then press onto your pressure points, like the back of your neck, your heels, your knees and the elbows. Also place on your inner wrists and forehead.

Don't Neglect Your Window Game

image source: reddit.com

You might think that drawing the curtains or blinds on an extremely hot day is counterproductive for making you feel like you're trapped inside in a hot house, but it will help! Making sure all your windows have thick drapes or blackout blinds you can pull will keep intense rays of heat out, and cool air in.

Talk About It!

image source: reddit.com

When dealing with intense heat, it's important to talk to other members of your household - or close friends and family - about what the plan is in states of heat emergency. You need to make sure everyone is cared for, and everyone is on the same page, so you can all stay cool together!

Keep In Touch With The Vulnerable!

image source: reddit.com

If you have elderly friends or relatives, they are going to be most vulnerable when it comes to periods of intense heat. You may also know someone who can't care for themselves too well at the moment, like someone sick or hauled up in bed with a broken leg. Make sure to check in with them!

Long Term Plan? Upgrade Your Windows

image source: reddit.com

For the long-term in preparation for periods of intense heat, upgrading your windows (if you have old ones at the moment) will be a great way to control the temperatures inside your home. Outdated windows, especially if they have gaps or cracks around the frame, will only make it harder to keep your home cool.

Update Your First Aid Kid

image source: reddit.com

Having a first aid kit in your home, and in your bag to travel around with you, when you're dealing with intense heat is going to help keep you safe. You can prepare a first aid kit for sunscreen, sunburn treatment, a sodium bicarbonate mix for heat exhaustion and aspirin if the heat is giving you a headache.

Make Sure To Prepare For Power Going Out

image source: reddit.com

It's all well and good to have your new air conditioning ready to go, or have that trusty fan with ice, but what if your power goes out during a heatwave? You need to know what to do if you can't operate your mains power, and you need to know what to do before it happens!

You Might Want To Consider A Backup Generator

image source: reddit.com

A backup generator is the most obvious choice if you're worried about power going out during a heatwave so that you can get your air conditioning up and running again. Not only that, but you're going to need to power your fridge and freezer for ice and cold water. But other options include battery-operated fans.

Keep On Top Of Weather Updates

image source: reddit.com

Staying updated with the weather forecasts will help you to know when extreme heat is coming, and how long it's expected to last, so you can better prepare for it. Weather forecasts aren't always 100% accurate, but they will be able to tell you when there's an extreme heat warning approaching!