Surviving Summer Heat Waves
KY GARDEN GAL - GARDENING WHEN IT’S HOT!
Surviving Summer
Heatwaves and Staying Cool and Safe Outdoors
SURVIVING HOT TEMPERATURES
Avoid being out in the hottest part of the day (afternoon) if you can - Early morning or evening is the safest time when the sun is lower or set
Apply sunscreen - don’t forget your ears. Reapply after a few hours have passed
Wear loose-fitting light-colored clothes - Dark colors absorb heat, light colors reflect it. Depending on how much time you spend outside, you may want to purchase UV Sun Protection Clothing
Hydrate - Keep cold water and room temperature water. You can drink room temperature water much faster if you need to hydrate quickly.
Wear a hat - Cover your head and face which get the most exposure to the sun with a wide-brim hat. If you start to overheat you can remove your hat and pour water on your head to help
Avoid Alcohol and caffeine that can dehydrate you faster
Take frequent breaks, especially if you’re not acclimated to the hotter temperatures
Put a cold wet cloth on your neck or forehead to cool off. Cooling rags that go around your neck are refreshing
More ways to prevent heat-related illness
Check your medications to see if they put you at risk for sun exposure
Never leave a person or animal in a hot car
Stay in the shade whenever possible
Signs of Heatstroke
In yourself or someone else
SIGNS OF A HEATSTROKE (According to the Mayo Clinic)
If you have a high temperature - If your internal body temperature reaches 104 degrees F you may be having a heat stroke.
If you feel confused or have slurred speech - Confusion, agitation, slurred speech, irritability, delirium, seizures, and coma can all result from heatstroke.
If you stop sweating - As long as you’re sweating, you’re in good shape. If you’re overheated but your skin is dry, you need to hydrate.
If you feel sick to your stomach - It’s not okay to be so hot that you have nausea or vomiting.
If your face is flushed - Your skin may turn red as your body temperature increases.
If you’re breathing changes- Your breathing may become rapid and shallow.
If your heart races- Your pulse may significantly increase because heat stress places a tremendous burden on your heart to help cool your body.
If your head hurts -Your head may throb.
If you have any of these symptoms, please get to a cool shady area and drink water. If you don’t start feeling better, or if you get worse, call an ambulance or go to the E.R. You know your body best, but don’t wait until it’s too late.
Signs of Heatstroke
in your furry friend
Signs of Heatstroke in Dogs - Check out the link from the American Kennel Club to read about warning signs of heatstroke in your dog. Any dog can get too hot and overheat, but those most at risk are long-haired, short-nosed, puppies, seniors, overweight, and those with medical issues.
BONUS: Check out the video above to find out about watering your plants and garden in high heat with Nancy Combow, The Kentucky Garden Gal.
For more lifesaving tips, read SURVIVING FREEZING TEMPERATURES
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