Prepare for the 2018 Boat Races Like It’s Gonna Be 1000 Degrees!
The forecast for this weekends 2018 Water Follies is basically 100 degrees or higher ever day! The hottest day is expected to be on Sunday with a high of 102, but it might as well be 1000 degrees.
It is important to be prepared with such high temperatures all weekend and thousands of people outside for hours at a time.
Some things are easy to remember like putting on strong sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and staying hydrated. Here are a few more tips to help keep you cooler and safe this boat race weekend.
1-Extreme heat can occur quickly and without warning.
2-Older adults, children, and sick or overweight individuals are at greater risk from extreme heat.
3-Humidity increases the feeling of heat as measured by a heat index.
Also:
- Wear light clothing.
- Check on family members and neighbors.
- Drink plenty of fluids.
- Watch for heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.
- Never leave people or pets in a closed car.
One thing that I did not know was not to use electric fans in extreme heat.
Do not use electric fans when the temperature outside is more than 95 degrees, as this could increase the risk of heat-related illness. Fans create air flow and a false sense of comfort, but do not reduce body.
Know the Signs of Heat Illness
HEAT CRAMPS
Signs: Muscle pains or spasms in the stomach, arms, or legs
Actions: Go to a cooler location. Remove excess clothing. Take sips of cool sports drinks with salt and sugar. Get medical help if cramps last more than an hour.
HEAT EXHAUSTION
Signs: Heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea or vomiting, or fainting
Actions: Go to an air-conditioned place and lie down. Loosen or remove clothing. Take a cool bath. Take sips of cool sports drinks with salt and sugar. Get medical help if symptoms get worse or last more than an hour.
HEAT STROKE
Signs: Extremely high body temperature (above 103 degrees) taken orally; red, hot, and dry skin with no sweat; rapid, strong pulse; dizziness; confusion; or unconsciousness
Actions: Call 911 or get the person to a hospital immediately. Cool down with whatever methods are available until medical help arrives.