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Seven tips for beating the heat in Virginia!

By Ken Gibson on July 15, 2018

After all the rain we’ve had this year, we Virginians are ready to get out and enjoy some summer sun. Having had quite a few 90+ degree days just this month already, we can only expect the heat to continue. But whether we’re at the mountains or beach, a cookout or softball game, or just out mowing the lawn, sun exposure and extreme heat can have serious consequences for our health.

We can all do our part to protect ourselves and our families from the heat, using a little common sense.

Prepare for summer heat with these tips

The following tips can help you have a safer summer that’s even more fun:

1. Carefully schedule your outdoor activities: Avoid scheduling outdoor events on days when extreme temperatures are forecast. Schedule outdoor activities at cooler times of the day—avoid the hours around noon, and choose early morning or evening instead. If the humidity index is high, be aware that your body won’t be able to evaporate sweat fast enough to cool off.
2. Wear cool clothing: Choose clothing that’s lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting, and breathable.
3. Stay hydrated: Sweat is your body’s cooling system, but it also dehydrates you. So it’s important to drink enough water to replace what your body is losing. While there may be nothing tastier than a cold AleWerks Chesapeake Pale Ale or a glass of iced tea on a hot day, remember that both alcohol and caffeine dehydrate you. A good rule of thumb is to have one full glass of water for every alcoholic or caffeinated drink you have. Sweating also causes you to lose vital minerals called electrolytes, so you can drink sports drinks to replace those. Remember, pets also need to remain hydrated and given plenty of shade.
4. Protect yourself: Apply sunscreen, and wear a hat and sunglasses. We all know that sunburns are painful, but they can also permanently damage the skin and eventually lead to cancer. Finally, the sun’s ultraviolet rays can also permanently damage your eyes and cause cataracts.
5. Pace yourself: Whether you’re exercising or working outdoors, pace yourself. Not only will you be able to continue your activity longer, you’ll avoid sun-related injuries and illnesses.
6. Be on the lookout for symptoms: Look for symptoms of sun-related illnesses like heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and heat rash. If you notice any of these, get into a cooler environment immediately. If you notice these symptoms in someone else, get that person’s body cooled down as fast as you can. If symptoms persist, call 911 immediately:
   • Red skin
   • Blisters
   • Fast heart rate
   • Headaches
   • Dizziness
   • Nausea
   • Fainting
   • Confusion
   • Weakness or fatigue
   • Clammy skin
   • Muscle cramps and spasms
7. Watch out for the most vulnerable to heat, including the elderly, children, and pets; and those with medical conditions like heart disease, high blood pressure, and poor circulation. People taking certain medications, like antihistamines, are also at higher risk for heat-related injuries and illnesses. NEVER leave any animal or person unattended in a hot car.

Prepare for all kinds of weather with the following steps

You know that a hot, muggy day can quickly start crackling with electricity. We’ve already seen some serious summer storms this year on the Middle Peninsula. Gloucester County recommends that everyone take the following preventative steps:

• Check the forecast regularly. Sign up for weather alerts.
• Inspect and update your family’s emergency supply kit. Make sure you have the recommended food, water, medications, tools, protective gear, sanitation supplies, funds, and legal paperwork. On that note, make sure your “go bag” and emergency kit are easily accessible and ready for you to grab and go.
• Make a plan for your pets’ safety. Learn more from Animal Control, or check out the American Red Cross.
• Make sure your family, friends, and neighbors do the same. As a community, we can help each other prepare for disasters that come our way, and make a big difference in each other’s safety.

We at GibsonSingleton Virginia Injury Attorneys hope you find this information helpful, and that you and your family have a fun and safe summer 2018, and many more to come!

Additional Information:

Virginia Department of Social Services: Cooling Assistance
Gloucester County Emergency Management