Judicious #home improvements can help cope with extreme heat, Kiplinger says. Protect your roof by installing attic ventilation and adding or replacing insulation, which can also reduce the burden on your HVAC system and reduce energy costs. Shade trees, awnings and window films can dramatically reduce indoor temperatures by blocking direct sunlight. And if you really want to guarantee comfort, prepare for the worst by investing in a standby generator or installing solar panels and a battery backup to power essential equipment during an emergency. #Heatproof #ExtremeHeat
Tag: safety tips
Avoid Cooking When Temperatures Soar
Cooking produces a lot of #heat in the kitchen, says CNET, so when you may wish to limit those activities during an extreme heat event. Even if your home is air-conditioned, cooking can add stress to electrical demands and have a negative effect on indoor air quality. Try no-cook meals such as salads or ceviche, or take anything that needs flame to an outdoor grill. You can also turn to small appliances such as an air fryer or microwave oven, which consume less energy and produce significantly less heat to get foodstuffs hot. If you must use the stove and oven, wait until nightfall and open the windows. #Heatproof #ExtremeHeat
Precautions to Observe in Extreme Heat
“Everyone should take precautions to stay cool and hydrated during extreme #heat,” says Mother Jones. When temperatures and humidity soar, try to stay in an air-conditioned environment. If you are among the 12% of U.S. households that don’t have at least some air conditioning, seek refuge at a cooling center, library, movie theater or mall. Never leave pets and children unattended in a car during hot weather, and take plenty of breaks when spending time outdoors. And if you must engage in outdoor activity, avoid the hottest hours of the day between noon and 4 p.m. #Heatproof #ExtremeHeat
Staying Safe in Extreme Heat
Federal records cited by Scientific American say that #heat “caused or contributed to” at least 2,300 U.S. deaths in 2023. With a heat wave blanketing a large part of the country this week, protect yourself by limiting strenuous activity, drinking plenty of water, and seeking shade and climate-controlled environments whenever possible. If you start to feel flushed, faint, confused, nauseous or otherwise overheated, seek help and a cooler environment immediately to avoid heatstroke — a life-threatening condition. Apply cool compresses to your head and neck for initial relief. #Heatproof #ExtremeHeat
How Much Sun Is Too Much Sun?
With #summer heat arriving early, you have probably already found find yourself doing more in the sun this year. Whether you are a sun-worshipper or an air-conditioning aficionado, it pays to know how much sun is too much sun.
Everyone needs some sun exposure to produce vitamin D, Johns Hopkins says, which aids calcium absorption and builds bone density. “But unprotected exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause damage to the skin, eyes and immune system” as well as skin cancer.
Much depends on a person’s complexion. Those with pale complexions and light eyes have less melatonin in their systems — the pigment that causes tanning. As a result, the amount of direct sunlight they can endure without damage or sunburn can be as little as 10 minutes.
People with darker complexions tend to have more natural protection against UV rays, and may be able withstand exposures of up to 60 minutes without protection, according to the National Institutes of Health. Regardless, everyone should be careful to limit exposure.
Applying a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 to all exposed areas is a good start. Blocking sunlight is the ultimate protection; you can cover up with lightweight, long-sleeved garments and a wide-brimmed hat. Protect your eyes with UV-blocking sunglasses whenever possible.
The sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.; a good rule of thumb is to seek shade if your shadow is shorter than you are. Awnings, tents and trees can help. You can also carry your own shade in the form of an umbrella, but remember that surfaces such as pavement, sand and water can reflect UV rays upward.
Look for lightly used, lightweight clothing, hats, umbrellas, and other seasonal accessories at the #thrift and #secondhand stores supplied by generous #donations to ClothingDonations.org.
Warm weather makes for #summertime fun. But be aware of how much direct sunlight you can safely handle, and take the appropriate steps to protect your skin and eyes from excessive UV exposure whenever you go out. It’s important to your health!