As the summer heats up, staying safe is essential as temperatures and humidity rise across Prince George County. Keeping cool and taking precautions in the sun is crucial to enjoying the season. Hydrating well and finding shade are important steps to stay safe as the heat intensifies.
With temperatures and heat indices expected to rise well into the 90s or higher, follow these tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to stay safe while enjoying the summer.
Whose At Increased Risk?
Older adults, young children, individuals with mental illness, and those with chronic diseases are at the highest risk. Nonetheless, even healthy, young individuals can be affected if they engage in vigorous physical activities in hot weather.
Tips: Staying Safe in the Heat
Wear appropriate clothing.
- Choose lightweight, loose-fitting clothing.
Stay cool indoors.
- Stay in an air-conditioned place as much as possible.
- If your home does not have air conditioning, go to the shopping mall or public library—even a few hours spent in the air conditioning can help your body stay cooler when you return to the heat.
- Call your local health department to see if there are any heat-relief shelters in your area.
- Use your stove and oven less to maintain a cooler temperature in your home.
- Take a cool shower or bath to cool off.
Never leave children, pets, or anyone in cars.
Vehicles can quickly heat up to dangerous temperatures, even with slightly open windows. While anyone left in a parked car is at risk, children are especially at risk of heat-related illnesses.
When traveling with children, remember to do the following:
- Never leave infants, children, or pets in a parked car, even if the windows are cracked open.
- To remind yourself that a child is in the car, keep a stuffed animal in the car seat. When the child is buckled in, place the stuffed animal in the front with the driver.
- When leaving your car, check to make sure everyone is out. Do not overlook any children who have fallen asleep in the car.
Schedule outdoor activities carefully and wear sun protection.
- Try to limit your outdoor activity to when it’s coolest, like morning and evening hours.
- Rest often in shady areas so that your body has a chance to recover.
- If you must go outdoors, protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses and applying sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher 30 minutes before going out.
- Continue to reapply it according to the package directions.
- TIP: Look for sunscreens with "broad spectrum" or "UVA/UVB protection" on their labels—these products work best.
Keeping hydrated.
- Drink more fluids, regardless of how active you are.
- Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink.
- Stay away from very sugary drinks—these actually cause you to lose more body fluid.
- Be careful when drinking very cold beverages because they can cause stomach cramps.
- Provide plenty of fresh water for your pets, and leave the water in a shady area.
Stay Weather Aware.
Stay aware of heat-related alerts and track temperatures using reliable weather forecasting platforms like the National Weather Service Wakefield Office and local news organizations. During periods of hot weather, the National Weather Service may issue advisories, watches, and warnings, including:
- Heat Advisory: A Heat Advisory is issued within 12 hours of the onset of hazardous heat conditions. The general rule of thumb for this Advisory is that the maximum heat index temperature is expected to be 100° or higher for at least two days, and nighttime air temperatures will not drop below 75°; however, these criteria vary across the country. Heat precautions should be taken.
- Excessive Heat Watch: Heat watches are issued when conditions are favorable for an excessive heat event in the next 24 to 72 hours. A Watch is used when the risk of a heat wave has increased, but its occurrence and timing are still uncertain. You should prepare to use your heat precautions in the coming days.
- Excessive Heat Warning: An Excessive Heat Warning is issued within 12 hours of the onset of hazardous heat conditions. The general rule of thumb for this Warning is when the maximum heat index temperature is expected to be 105° or higher for at least two days, and nighttime air temperatures will not drop below 75°; however, these criteria vary across the country. Heat precautions should be taken.
Follow local news and the National Weather Service for updates regarding heat-related alerts.