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FAST FACTS
- 700 people lost their lives in Chicago due to a heat wave in 1995.
- Scientists believe heat waves such as the one Chicago experienced will occur up to three times a year by 2100.
- The number of record high temperatures is now more than the number of record low temperatures per year.
Depending on who you talk to, you may believe that climate change is real or something completely made up. No matter which side of the fence you are on as far as climate change, there is no denying that our summers are getting hotter.
People across the country are suffering through record high temperatures. Shrugging off heat waves could be a mistake, because they can truly be dangerous.
Early in July, a postal worker in California passed away in her mail truck. The worker was 63 years old, and family says that temperatures that day inched near 120 degrees. The woman had been with USPS for 28 years. Last year the woman had suffered a heat stroke in high temperatures. There is no air conditioning in mail trucks.
While the family says that telling postal workers how to beat the heat is not enough, the tips are important to know. There are steps you can take to keep yourself as safe as possible when the temperatures soar.
1. Stay Hydrated
Don’t forget to drink plenty of water when it gets hot outside. An icy cold adult beverage might sound good, but alcohol will only dehydrate you.
Drink even if you don’t feel thirsty. One of the tricky things about dehydration is that people don’t often realize that they are dehydrated. Take a drink every 15 minutes or more often.
2. Stay Out of the Sun
If you can avoid the sun during the hottest parts of the day, do it. If you don’t have air conditioning in your home, go to the local mall or a store that does.
Cooling your body down for even an hour or two can help. If your home gets too hot, look for a cooling shelter in your area. Many cities will set up a shelter to help people beat the heat.
3. Lessen the Demand
People crank their air conditioners when the temperature climbs, but it’s not the best idea. Setting your thermostat a few degrees higher won’t make a large difference to you in a heat wave, but it will reduce the demand on electricity.
Use the majority of your appliances when the temperatures dip.
4. Travel Wisely
Traveling during a heat wave can be harrowing. You are at an increased risk for a breakdown.
Make sure you have a good pair of walking shoes in your vehicle, a hat, bottles of water, and a charged cell phone.
A San Luis Obispo Personal Injury Lawyer is Here to Help
If you are injured during a heat wave in California due to someone’s negligence, a San Luis Obispo personal injury lawyer may be able to help. Reach out to our office today to schedule a free case evaluation and discover more about your legal options.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
