As we move into hot weather mode, we need to take steps to stay healthy and safe in the heat.
For me, most important is keeping the house cool, since that’s where I spend most of my time. The air conditioning will be set at 76 to 78 degrees, depending on the humidity.
Very soon I’ll need to put up the insulated sun-blocking blackout drapes on the sunny side of the living room where the afternoon heat can bake the outside wall. Each morning I’ll close those drapes before the sun moves around to that side of the house.
Next on my daily list will be to fill my water bottles — a half-dozen 8-ounce bottles that I can periodically grab during the day. With the little bottles, it’s easy to keep track of how much hydration I’m getting.
But we can’t always stay home. If you have to go out in the heat, wear light, loose clothing and a hat with a wide brim.
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Ask your doctor to clarify what your water intake should be during the summer.
Keep an eye on the weather news so you’ll know what to expect.
Ask your town if they’ve set up any cooling centers, or head to the library or mall during the hottest part of the day.
Keep track of how you feel in the summer heat. If you have weakness, nausea, dizziness or headache, it could be heat exhaustion or even lead to heat stroke. Get help — don’t delay.
If you’re afraid to run the air conditioner for fear it will increase your electric bill, see if you can get some financial help from the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP, at 866-674-6327. Churches and town halls are other possible sources of assistance.
For more tips on how to stay safe in the summer heat, see www.ready.gov/heat.