As temperatures are rising globally, they are becoming more and more severe. These extended hours of exposure to excessive heat can cause significant effects on health and safety. It is of utmost importance that you understand heat waves and how to protect yourself and your loved ones from them. We will delve into heat waves and essential safety measures you should take at such times.
Let’s Understand Heat Waves
To put it in simple words, heat waves are when a region or area faces extreme levels of hot weather. When heat waves go on for prolonged periods lasting more than two to three days, our bodies can get overwhelmed and lose their ability to cool, leading to grave health issues.
Impacts of Heat Waves
We all know that changes in climate, global warming, and urbanization cause heat waves, but sometimes, we fail to understand the impact of heat waves. Heat waves not only have an effect on an individual but also communities at large.
Health hazards such as heat stroke and several diseases due to dehydration are becoming extremely common. The most vulnerable are young children, the elderly, and people with pre-existing health conditions. Heat waves can also be the cause of certain chronic issues related to the heart and lungs.
It is not just health infrastructure and agriculture that are adversely affected.
How to prepare for a heat wave?
Stay Updated: The first thing you should do is stay informed and be up-to-date on local weather forecasts. Download weather apps to get emergency alerts and updates on heat wave warnings. It is imperative to know what is happening to stay safe.
Create a Soothing Environment: Make sure your air conditioning is working fine; get it serviced before the summer hits. If you do not possess an air conditioning unit, you are advised to invest in a portable unit or standing fans. Try to keep your home insulated, keep curtains or blinds closed, and stay away from direct sunlight.
Stock Up on Essentials: It is best to stock up on nuts, dry foods, and other essentials so that you don’t have to step out every now and then.
Plan ahead for Power Outages: There are two ways to prepare for power outages: either invest in an inverter or invest in a battery-operated fan.
Prep for Pets: Make sure your pets are hydrated and are not going out in the sun. Do not sleep them in parked cars or confined spaces in the heat.
Make Small Adjustments to Your Routine: If there is a heat wave warning and you have to stay out, make sure you are hydrated and avoid caffeine. Take frequent breaks under and shade and wear light-colored and loose clothes.
Heat waves dos and don’ts
Dos
- Drink lots of water throughout the day
- Take drinks with electrolytes, primarily if you work outdoors
- Stay indoors or in air-conditioned places
- Wear loose and light-colored clothes
- Plan outdoor activities early morning or in the evening if it’s feasible
- Use sunscreen, hats, or sunglasses for your own safety
- Keep an eye out for heat wave warnings
- Seek help from medical professionals if you feel uneasy
- Take extra care of children and elders
- Make sure your pets are indoor
Don’ts
- Avoid drinks that can dehydrate you, like caffeine, alcohol, or drinks with excessive amounts of sugar
- Avoid going out during the hottest parts of the day
- Keep windows shut and curtains drawn to keep the heat out
- Do not wear tight-fitted or dark-colored clothes
- Don’t power through dizziness or nausea
- Do not overuse too many cooling devices or electrical appliances simultaneously
Long-Term Strategies
To help fight heat waves, it’s best we address the root cause. When we understand why it is happening and how best to deal with it, we will be able to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe. At an individual level we should strive to reduce or carbon footprint. We can use more public transport and rely more on renewable energy sources. At a community level, we can install solar heaters and panels in our society or look at other green initiatives.
By following these steps and thinking about the future like it is ours to protect, we can combat climate change on a universal scale.
