Hot Weather Family Safety Tips

Heatwave Survival

Worldwide Summer Heat Wave

The summer is well underway and temperatures are soaring to new heights. In fact, weather forecasters are predicting the almost non-stop heatwave will force record-breaking high temperatures to spike to well over 100 degrees in many places, both in the U.S. and elsewhere around the world. 

With record heat engulfing the U.S., Yale Climate Connections reports that the #3 hottest day ever anywhere in the world was right here in America, in Furnace Creek, California which hit a sweltering 129.3 degrees on July 7, 2024. Nationwide, about 117 million U.S. residents are experiencing higher temperatures than normal. All this excessive heat, attributed to climate change by many experts, is impacting more than 5 billion of people worldwide, amounting to 60% of the world's population as of June 2024.

Make sure everyone in the family, young and old

• Drinks plenty of water all day and through the evening to stay properly hydrated, keeping in mind that alcohol, sports drinks and sugary juices often contribute to dehydration.
• Stays in covered or shaded areas outdoors or if indoors in well-ventilated areas, during the heat of the day.
• Limits outdoor sports and excessive physical exertion to the early morning hours or after dusk when the air is starting to cool off.
• Uses a good quality sunscreen with a high enough SPF --  whether it's sunny or cloudy -- to protect against harmful UV rays which can burn and dehydrate skin and add to further body dehydration.

6 Heat Wave Survival Tips

• Never leave a baby, child, ill or elderly person alone in the car even with the windows rolled down during hot days, whether in summer or any other time of the year. The same applies to never leaving a dog or other pet in the car.
• Keep more than enough extra bottles of water in your car when traveling (whether locally or on a road trip) in the event you get stranded or breakdown in the middle of the day.
• Encourage each person (all ages: babies to old age) to always wear a hat outdoors during daytime hours to help avoid sunburn on the head, unnecessary dehydration, and also aid in reducing the potential of sunstroke.
• Observe family members who have been out in the sun carefully, watching for symptoms of heat exhaustion -- such as headaches,  nausea, dizziness, sleepiness, and behavior changes -- any of which may indicate serious heat-related illness.
• Seek out qualified professional medical advice immediately if you notice anything unusual or have any doubts or concerns about how the heat might be affecting your loved ones.
• Remember your pets are usually affected by extreme heat, too. So keep them hydrated and out of the sun during the heat of the day. What's more, avoid walking your dog on hot pavement, roads, or tarmac which can burn animals' paws and even cause heat exhaustion and worst

Learn More

Always be aware of local weather conditions and how it might impact everyone's health. Visit the CDC website for detailed information about Heat Stress, Hydration, and a free, downloadable guide to How Much Water To Drink. 

Important Note: This post is not a substitute for professional medical advice and you should always seek out your trusted healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you have.