This post is by Bernie Carr, apartmentprepper.com
When making a list of disasters to prepare for, few people would include extreme heat as a potential emergency. As I write this, it is 83 degrees outside. Combined with the humidity, it feels like it’s still in the 90s, at 9:00 pm. There is no relief even in the evening hours. It is only June, with the hotter months yet to come in Texas. Many areas in the country are sweltering as well.
Staying Cool
This past week, there were a number of heat related deaths, caused by dehydration and exposure. Going outdoors in extreme heat can be dangerous. Young children and the elderly are particularly at risk.
Stay cool with the following tips:
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Bring extra water and other drinks when going outdoors.
- Eat lighter meals with emphasis on vegetables and fruit instead of fatty foods.
- Limit outdoor activities to the early morning or late evening hours
- Pace yourself
- Wear a hat and sunscreen
- Place a cooling scarf around your neck
- Avoid alcoholic and caffeinated drinks when out in the heat – they increase the risk of dehydration.
- Don’t forget the pets-keep them hydrated as well
Know the Signs of Dehydration
You may become dehydrated and not know it. Know the signs of dehydration before it becomes life threatening:
- Increased thirst
- Headache
- Dizzyness
- Feeling faint
- Heart palpitations
- Unable to sweat
- Weakness
- Mouth dryness
- Tongue swelling
- Muscle cramps
- Chills
Having chills in the middle of a hot day sounds strange but I have seen it happen. Years ago, our family went backpacking and my brother in law sat down on the trail and complained of having chills. It turns out he had not been drinking his water. Fortunately, he felt better after sitting in the shade and drinking some water.
If you feel any of these symptoms, get out of the sun immediately, rest and get re-hydrated. If you feel worsening symptoms such as a fever, diarrhea, vomiting, see a doctor.
Electric grids are being stressed to the limit
People are cranking up their air-conditioning and this is causing a strain on the electric grid. Many towns have had power failures this week. Consider how you would cope if you had an extended power outage in the middle of this heat. You would need a way to keep cool. Battery operated electric fans could provide some relief. You would also needs lots of fluids to hydrate yourself. Stock up on water and other drinks. You will also need a way to cook food without electricity.
Build your power outage supply kit in case your electric grid fails to keep up with the increased demand for energy.
Risk of Wildfires
With the extreme heat also comes the risk of wildfires. As I write this, there are several wildfires burning in Southern California. If you live in a wildfire prone area, you must be ready of evacuate if your area is threatened. I have known families who had to evacuate their homes in minutes. Be prepared to evacuate your home in minutes.
© Apartment Prepper 2016
Hi Pariah! As in Florida, we dread losing power out here in TX, the heat is brutal this time of year. Living in an apartment has both advantages and disadvantages, and since we are pretty much here due to whatever circumstances we find ourselves, might as well focus on the plus side of things 🙂 I am glad you found the site and hope you stop by again. Thanks for the comment
I was trying to order a life straw and all of a sudden it showed that i was ordering two, rather than one thing, at a price of over $40.00. How is this good business? Please look into this!
Mary Lee, What store you were trying to order from? If you only wanted one, then the order should have only shown 1, since they are only around $19.95 or so.