Beat the Heat: Essential Tips from the Red Cross

Geoff Cook

Beat the Heat: Essential Tips from the Red Cross

Extreme heat can be dangerous, but you can stay safe with some preparation. The Red Cross emphasizes the importance of hydration—drink lots of water and avoid sugary and alcoholic drinks. They suggest checking your urine color to ensure you're hydrated. Plan to stay cool by visiting air-conditioned places and setting up emergency kits with water and snacks. Recognize heat-related illnesses like heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke, and know how to respond. For comprehensive tips and checklists, visit the Extreme Heat Safety guide.

Here are some detailed points from the guide:

1. Hydration Tips:
   • Drink water frequently, even if you don't feel thirsty.
   • Avoid caffeine and alcohol, as they can dehydrate you.
   • Monitor urine color: light yellow is a good indicator of proper hydration.
2. Staying Cool:
   • Spend time in air-conditioned environments like malls or libraries.
   • Use fans and take cool showers or baths to lower body temperature.
   • Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing to reflect heat.
3. Emergency Kits and Plans:
   • Assemble kits with water, non-perishable food, medications, and other essentials.
   • Plan to check on family, friends, and neighbors, especially the elderly and those with health conditions.
   • Know the signs of heat-related illnesses and how to respond to them.
4. Recognizing Heat Illnesses:
   • Heat Cramps: Muscle pains or spasms due to heavy exercise.
   • Heat Exhaustion: Heavy sweating, weakness, cold, pale, and clammy skin.
   • Heat Stroke: High body temperature, altered mental state, and potential unconsciousness.

Remember to stay informed about weather conditions and heat advisories. For more information, visit the Red Cross Extreme Heat Safety guide.

Tom Richer

Great list here especially hydration tips! Thanks for sharing