The sunset more than four hours ago and it is still 90 degrees outside with a heat index of 103.
Like most of the country, my neck of the woods is baking under blistering heat. According to news reports, by mid-week more than 40 states will experience highs in the 90s with heat indexes topping 110 degrees. What’s more, the heat wave of 2011 is expected to last well into next week.
The National Weather Service defines a heat wave as a period time exceeding three days with high temperatures above 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Weather experts are also quick to point out that extreme summer heat kills more people each year than floods, lightning, tornadoes, and hurricanes.
Naturally, if you are the parent of small children, especially babies, you will need to take certain precautions in order to keep your kids safe. Likewise, if you are parenting an older parent, you too will need to be extremely diligent to ensure your mom or dad is safe during this prolonged heat wave.
The American Red Cross has a number of safety tips to follow during these days of oppressive heat. Parents should review the points below to help keep kids and the elderly safe as the mercury climbs into the danger zone:
1. Do not remain outdoors for prolonged periods of time unless you are swimming or in a shaded area. Regardless of how long you are outside, be sure to apply sunscreen to all exposed areas of your body.
2. If you have a baby or are an elderly person with a compromised immune system, then it’s best to remain indoors, out of the sun. Seek out air conditioning or fans if they are blowing cool air. Circulating a hot breeze can be worse than no breeze. If you do not live in a place with air conditioning, then visit a mall or a friend’s home that does.
3. Stay hydrated. Drink more water or juice and avoid caffeinated or carbonated beverages. Also don’t drink alcohol when it is extremely hot outside. Booze leads to dehydration and reduces your ability to recognize signs of heat stress.
4. Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothes.
5. Avoid strenuous activity including running, bicycling, and yard work.
How are you beating the heat this week?
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