Acting like miniature greenhouses, car interiors heat up fast in the #summer sun. Never leave children, elderly relatives or pets inside a hot car; all are extremely vulnerable to heatstroke and serious trauma or death can occur within minutes — even if the windows are cracked or it doesn’t seem “that” hot. Keep a bottle of cool water on hand to spritz yourself and your kids on hot summer days, The New York Times suggests, or have them run through a sprinkler or splash — fully supervised — in a pool. #SummerSafetyTips
Tag: beating the heat
Protect Yourself Against the Sun
If you plan to be in the sun this summer, take common-sense precautions to protect your skin against overexposure, Northwestern Medicine says. First, choose a sunscreen that has an SPF of at least 30 and UVA and UVB protection; apply it liberally to all exposed areas of the body. Then, wait 15 minutes for the sunscreen to be fully effective before exposing yourself to direct sunlight, and reapply it periodically according to the label instructions. Note that no sunscreen is truly waterproof, however. #SummerSafetyTips
Staying Safe in a Heatwave
There’s an ongoing heatwave in the West, where temperatures soared above 100°F and set new records in places that rarely see sustained temps in the 80s so early in the summer. If you happen to be in a location that’s experiencing extreme heat, be sure to drink plenty of water, People says, and wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing. Avoid direct sunlight or wear sunscreen and a broad-brimmed hat when exposed, and limit strenuous activity to avoid heat exhaustion and heatstroke. #SummerSafetyTips
Cool off With a Refreshing Spritz
When you’re overheated, there’s nothing like a few classic summertime activities to refresh and rejuvenate. Go for a swim in a pool, lake or ocean, or run through a sprinkler. Make a spritz out of peppermint tea to keep in the refrigerator for a quick cooldown, WonderHowTo says, or make your own concoction of water, citrus, mint, cucumber and other botanicals. If you’re really feeling the heat, apply cool towels to pulse points on your wrists, ankles and neck. Or just throw in the towel for a couple of hours and enjoy a show in the air-conditioned shade — or, darkness — of a movie theater.
Seek out Shade to Stay Cool
You can keep your cool by blocking some of that hot summer sun, says Wanderlust. Draw the curtains or blinds to keep from superheating your living quarters, and seek out a shade tree, awning, tent or parasol when outdoors. If you’re outdoors and on the move, wear a wide-brimmed hat, light colors, and breathable fabrics such as linen and cotton to bring your own shade with you. Short on summer styles? Look for fashions and other warm-weather supplies at thrift and secondhand stores supplied by donations to ClothingDonations.org.