111 Degrees and What to Do?

Oh yes, that weather report seems ominous to say the least. 111 degrees? Really? What’s this planet coming to? I mean the last time I heard a forecast for temps like this I was looking at visiting my grandparents in Palm Desert (and at least there the heat is dry!). So, here we go with the hottest forecast on record for the NW and it’s only June 24th. What will July bring? August? Yet as we enter this phase of asphalt-melting craziness how can you stay cool? I’m sure this question is on many-a-mind.

Tip 1: Slow Down, Take More Breaks and Avoid working in peak, heating hours

Tip 2: Wear loose-fitting and light-colored clothing (dark clothing absorbs heat). Cotton is GREAT!

Tip 3: Drink plenty of water and AVOID alcoholic beverages

Tip 4: Stay inside (air conditioning is a PLUS!).

Tip 5: If outdoors, find shade! Shade can reduce your exposed temperature by as much as 25 degrees!

Tip 6: Check on people and pets that are susceptible to the risks of heat exposure.

Tip 7: DO NOT leave pets or people inside vehicles. Vehicles can heat up to killing temperatures in just a few minutes, and when it’s over 100 degrees to start, well, the danger is very, very high.

Tip 8: Use sunscreen, prolifically. Burned skin impedes the body’s ability to cool itself.

Tip 9: Take cool showers or baths to get your core body temperature DOWN!

Tip 10: As the day switches to the evening and temps begin to cool off, begin opening up windows an using fans to bring in cooler air. Be sure to close the windows in the morning and draw the shades to keep your home or apartment from heating back up!

Watch for Heat Exhaustion

Heat exhaustion is very serious and can even result in death. Learn the signs and how to respond.

To learn more about heat exhaustion and how to avoid and/or respond to it follow this link to the CDC.

Head to the Coast

If you have the wherewithal and don’t mind about a gazillion other people trying to do the same thing, well, the coast will be a good 30 degrees cooler this upcoming weekend. Of course far too many people have seen this same forecast so the traffic could be legendary. That said, if you’re going to be somewhere that will be difficult to avoid the heat, well, the shot down to the beach may just be your very best option. And having been a life-long surfer here in the NW…the best tip to get down and back is to drive during off hours. Yep, if you take off at 9 p.m., you’re pretty set with low traffic. But leaving Friday afternoon at 5, well, make sure you gas tank is topped off (even though it’s only a 90 mile drive)…there could be some big-time delays. That said, I’d rather deal with bumper-to-bumper than 111 degrees turning me into human fruit leather! Good luck!!!

Helpful Heat-related Health Links

Here are some helpful links to explore to beat the heat and stay healthy througout what looks to be the hottest days on record for the lovely NW. Stay frosty!

CDC’s Tips on Beating the Heat
10 Ways to Beat the Heat from Lifehacker
23 Ways to Beat the Heat from Real Simple