Heat survival measures are becoming vital to follow for people all across the globe. Over the next 30 years, the US is expected to experience an extreme heat belt bringing dangerously hot days.
Extremely hot days are brutal to combat when the temperature crosses 125 degrees Fahrenheit. By the year 2053, about 107.6 million Americans are likely to experience that level of heat at least one day a year. Considering the devastation that is predicted to occur in the coming years, there is a dire need to take measures to handle and control such extreme heat belts.
According to the US National Institutes of Health, too much heat damages the human brain and organs. There are several risks associated to develop severe heat-related illnesses like hyperthermia. This blog comprehensively covers smart valauble and budget-friendly tips and solutions to combat the heat waves.
Why Heat Survival Is Becoming More Important
In a typically moderate climate, Seattle and Portland are among the many cities that are grappling with over 100 Degree Ferenhite temperatures. The Pacific north-west which was known for its moderate climate is now experiencing a heatwave driving people to beaches and pools. As most of households are not fully dependent on air-conditioning, these regions are going through a terrible time.
Heatwave in Portland, Seattle and Vancouver
Portland, Seattle and Vancouver were subjected with devastating heat domes back in 2021.
Source: KNMI Climate Explorer
Greet Jan Van Oldenborgh created the map that reflects temperature since 1979. It revealed the extent of high alert areas with the extreme raise in temperature. Heat domes were breaking all the records by double digits, revealing the brutality of the climatic condition.
Moreover, the temperature at Seattle reached to 100F for half a week. In june 2021, Washingtone states surpassed an all time heatwave ever recorded, reaching to a temperature of 115F.
Source: Global Historical Climatology Network
Canby, situated in the north-western Oregon, experienced a major hit of 118F whereas, Spokane, Wenatchee and Pullman too went through the same havoc. A village, Lytton, in the western Canada, too recorded an all-time high temperature of 115F.
Heat Advisories and Warnings For 2022
Yet again, the Pacific Northwest is blanketing with several heat warnings. The atrocities of rising temperature are coming to hit these regions in 2022. Over the coming days, around 15 million citizens in the western United States will experience extreme highs. Portland and Seattle are settling daily records whereas the highly populated region of Willamette Valley is bleeding out with a triple-digit increase in temperature.
Scott Carroll, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service in Eureka, Calif, notified that the average temperature in July would be “closer to 90 or the lower 90s,” All the inland areas and valleys could experience a temperature increase of up to 110 to 115 degrees.
Furthermore, the Washington State and interior Oregon are predicted to experience highs above 100F. The same goes for Seattle as well which is likely to experience the same terrifying heatwave again over the coming days.
Why is it so concerning?
The heatwave proved incredibly deterimental for these regions as they were not built and prepared to handle it. The people, and the infrastructure has never been prone and designed to combat the rising temperature. The locals were not prepared about the necessary steps to deal with such heat.
As you know a human body at 95°F (35°C) can not cool itself and it can cause death. Even if you do have air conditioners, the buildings are constructed to trap the mechanically-cooled air inside. However, there are some ways to help you survive the devastating heat domes this year and the times to come.
Heat Survival Tips To Follow
Here’s how to survive extreme heat without air conditioning. Even if you have an air conditioner, you might lose power and you can’t practically stay indoor throughout the summer season. Hence, follow these tips to keep your body and environment cool.
Tip #1. Stay hydrated
Staying hydrated helps your body combat heat. It lowers the body temperature and replaces the fluid lost through sweating. However, not many people are habitual of drinking water frequently regularly. So, you can try making some cool drinks or opt for food that naturally covers up the hydration needs of your body. For instance,
Cucumber– contains 99% water. You can make a salad or detox water with some crushed ice.
Mint– cools down the body temperature. You can use it to make mint lemonade or just put some mint leaves in water and refrigerate it for some time before drinking.
Curd– a bowl of curd can beat the sweltering heat. Its probiotic helps in soothing the body.
Tip #2. Take A Cold Shower
Cold showers or baths have many favourable effects on mental health and immunity. It heightens the immune system making one more resistant to illness. Above all, a cold shower reduces body heat faster and more effectively than any other thing. However, remember never to take a cold shower right after coming back from outside.
Tip #3. Keep your place ventilated
Let the air breeze keeps your place ventilated. Block the direct sun exposure, put some curtains on the windows and keep the windows open. However, note that the color of your curtains should be light not too bright as colors with darker pigments are good conductors of heat.
Tip #4. Dresses and Fabrics for hot days
Although staying trendy is good, when you are dealing with a high-alert situation you need to be mindful of how your dress selection affects your health and body. Go for loose and flowy dresses. Your dress should be light and has room to allow maximum airflow.
Secondly, fabrics that you can go for include:
- Cotton
- Tartan
- Crepe
- Poplin
- Lawn
When it comes to footwear, try to choose slippers and open shoes that can keep your soles comfortable and breathable. You can get crocs as well. They are light and airy.
Tip #5. Stay under the hood
Avoid direct exposure from sun. Even if you are taking a small trip outside try to stay under the hood. Carry an umbrella or simply avoid staying outside too frequently. Even a few minutes of exposure increases your heart rate and body temperature. You may feel nausea and dizziness along with blurred vision. And always remember that excessive sweating can cause dehydration in the body.
Tip #6. Cook in the Morning, Travel in the Night
Early in the morning, the temperature is a bit moderate as compared to that of the rest of the day. Hence, cooking and preparing meals early is ideal to stay cool and relaxed throughout the day.
Secondly, if you can manage, plan to travel during the evening or by the night. You must go outdoor when the temperature drops. You should avoid exposing yourself to heat as much as you can.
Tip #7. Maintain Regular Health Checkups
You must stay concious to note any signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses. Here are the major illnesses that you can experience along with their respective symptoms.
Heat Stroke
Symptoms:
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Headache
- Hot, red, or damp skin
Heat Exhaustion
Symptoms:
- Heavy sweating
- cold, pale or clammy skin
- Muscles Cramps
Heat Cramps
Symptoms:
- Muscle pain
- Muscle spasms
A Must-Have Heat Survival Kit
Now that you learned all about heatwaves and how badly it affects everyday life and health of a person, here’s what you need in your heat survival kit:
1. USB portable charger
USB Power banks are easy-to-hand portable devices that charge multiple devices at the same time. You don’t even have to keep your power banks fully charged, even a 10% charged power bank can charge devices efficiently.
Our favorite product:
iHome 2 Port USB Wall Charger
The iHome Dual USB Wall Charger has a USB adapter plug that charge 2 devices at the same time. It’s lightweight and not bulky. The slim design makes it easy to carry and plug even in sockets that are hard to reach. It offers a rapid charging speed and is best used for smartphones.
Amazon ratings: 4.7 out of 5
2. Mister fan that can be charged with a mini USB
It’s important to keep your body cool and avoid excessive sweating. For that, you can put the Mister fan somewhere around while cooking, working on your laptop, reading or doing any sort of physical task. The chargeable fans have long hours of battery life and are handy to carry.
Our favorite product:
KOODER Handheld Fan
The mini Kooder fan has a rechargeable 1200mAh battery and can be used for up to 6 Hrs. This handheld fan can be placed on counters, desks or any flat service. It’s easy to carry and has detachable fan blades.
Amazon Rating: 4.3 out of 5
3. Generator
While struggling through the tough days of heatwaves, sudden power outrage or failure can cause serious health damage. You need to have equipment and resources as a backup to keep your air conditioners and fans working without the fear of interruption.
Our favorite product:
WEN 56203i Portable Inverter Generator
WEN 56203i is a portable generator which is ultra-lightweight and has 2000 watts of power. The gasoline power generator has a fuel shutoff that maximises its lifespan. It produces up to 2000 surge watts and 1700 rated watts of power along with facilitating charging of small electronic devices like televisions, computers, mobile phones and tablets.
Amazon ratings: 4.6 out of 5
4. Kamado- Ceramic Grills
The eco-friendly Kamado Grills are best to maintain temperature efficiently compared to traditional metal grills. As these are less conductive they reduce the amount of energy consumed and keep the environment cool.
Our favorite product:
Char-Griller E06614 AKORN
This portable Kamado charcoal grill has best-in-class features. It’s easy to carry and perfect for grilling and BBQ. Its made with an insulating design to keep the surrounding temperature cool along with having Cast Iron cooking grates for maximum heat retention and durability.
Amazon ratings: 4.7 out of 5
5. Rechargeable Air Conditioners
Most of the households in the US does not have air conditioners installed. They are comabtting heat relying on ceiling fans and rechrgeable fans. Hence, going for a rechargeable Air Conditioner can be a better solution and lighter on the pocket.
Our favorite product:
Ontel Arctic Air Pure Chill 2.0
Ontel Arctic Air Cooler is portable, lightweight and has hydro-chilling technology. It’s a powerful, noise-less, eco-friendly air -cooler that keeps the environment comfortable and refreshing. The efficient cooling device operates on 8 to 10 watts of power. With multi-directional air vents, Ontel maintains the temperature of indoor spaces efficiently.
Amazon ratings: 4 out of 5
6. Cooling Mattress Topper
A night of good, comfortable sleep is a must as it recharges your body and mind. During the dreadful days of heat domes, your body gets to feel tired and lethargic very often. To help reduce the problem you need at least 7 hours of good sleep and what could be better than having a cooling mattress topper to keep your body soothed?
Our favorite product:
Memory Foam
This sleep innovation, Memory foam comes with a 4-inch Memory foam mattress topper with 2-inch cooling gel foam. It’s one complete set with 2-inch pillow top covers. The flush fibre fills with a cooling topper and keeps the body comfortable throughout the night. It maintains the temperature and keeps the body cool. It efficiently improves the quality of sleep with its high-quality material. It relieves pressure points, gives a deeper sleep cycle and refreshes the user.
Amazon ratings: 4.5 out of 5
7. Pocket Heat Monitors
A pocket heat monitor won’t help you stay cool but gives an appropriate reading about the surrounding temperature. It warns you to take necessary precautions to combat the rising temperature.
Our favorite product:
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter / Heat Stress Monitor
The battery-powered Kestrel pocket heat stress monitor measures the heat index, dew point temperature and relative humidity. It gives reading about wind chill, water/air/snow temperature with accurate measurements. It is used in many industries and is pocket friendly.
Amazon ratings: 4.7 out of 5
Wrap Up
Considering the devastation heat domes caused a year back in Seattle and Portland, it’s necessary to stay vigilant and get yourself equipped with the right accessories and equipment. You must follow these heat survival tips and take survival measures. Keep yourself and your family safe and healthy.
