Sunday

Surviving Heat Wave

It's summer now and it's been very hot lately in Japan since last week.The heat wave had gone extreme to some serious extension and throughout much of July 2018, a record-breaking heat wave affected large areas of Japan.Reading the news about the heat wave seriousness, i would like to share some of the tips to survive a heat wave as the risks vary depending on your age and health, but by knowing how to prepare for a heat wave and what to do when one occurs, you can avoid the biggest health dangers, such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

What is HEAT WAVE ???


A heat wave is an extended period of extreme heat, often accompanied by high humidity. Prolonged periods of high temperatures and high humidity can be very dangerous for your health. In extreme heat and humidity, evaporation is slowed and your body has to work very hard to maintain a normal temperature. 

Tips..

1

Make an emergency kit. It’s a good idea to have some kind of basic emergency supplies kit prepared and accessible at home. You can keep one kit to cover most possible emergencies. You just need to get together a few household essentials and put them in a secure place in case you should need them. You should have enough supplies to last 72 hours. Make sure your kit includes the following:
  • A gallon of water a day per person (more for nursing mothers, children, and sick people)
  • Non-perishable, easy-to-prepare food, such as salt-free crackers, whole grain cereals, and canned goods -- include a can opener
  • Any medications you need
  • A torch or flashlight
  • A first aid kit
  • Moist towelettes, toilet paper, and garbage bags for personal sanitation
2Make sure your window air-conditioners are well-fitted. if you don't have         
     central air-conditioning. Preparing your home for a heat wave involves a number of 
     relatively small tasks that can help you to keep cool air in and hot air out. If you 
     have window air-conditioners, start by making sure they are installed well. If there 
      are gaps around the sides, insulate them.
  • You can get insulating foam panels or spray foam from a home improvement store.
  • You should also make sure the air-conditioning vents and ducts are well insulated.
  • It’s a good idea to repair or replace a faulty air-conditioner before you need to.
3

Cover windows that receive morning and afternoon sun. Even with the reflectors, it is a good idea to cover the windows which receive a lot of sun with drapes, shades, awnings, or louvers.
         Closing the drapes on the inside will make a difference, but outdoor             awnings and louvers can reduce the heat that enters a home by up
         to 80 percent.
  • You can also find heat and light blocking drapes from many department and home improvement stores. These can help keep the room cool.
4Stay well hydrated A lot of the health problems that can develop during a heat wave are associated with dehydration, so it’s crucial to make sure you drink plenty of water or a sports drink with electrolytes. Even if you don't feel thirsty, keep taking regular sips. Avoid drinks with a lot of caffeine such as coffee and tea, and severely limit your intake of alcohol.
  • When it is very hot outside, it's recommended that you drink about 4 cups of water per hour. Don't gulp this all at once, though, or you may experience some discomfort.
  • There are some instances when you should consult a doctor before increasing the amount of liquids you drink:
  • If you have epilepsy, or heart, liver, or kidney disease.
  • If you are on a fluid-restricted diet or have a problem with fluid retention.
5Recognize the symptoms of heat exhaustion. Heat exhaustion is a serious condition and should be treated as soon as possible. There are a number of symptoms to look out for:
  • Cool, clammy skin with "goose bumps"
  • Heavy sweating
  • Fatigue
  • Light-headedness or dizziness
  • Problems with physical coordination
  • Muscle cramps
  • Headache
  • Nausea
6Prevent heat illness in pets. If you have a cat or dog, it can also be prone to heat exhaustion or even heat stroke. Watch your pet to make sure that it isn't overheating.
  • If you notice that your dog is panting excessively, give it fresh water right away and move it to a cool, shady place.
  • Drooling is another warning sign of overheating.
  • Feel your pet's body. If it is breathing more rapidly than usual, or if the heart rate is faster than usual, take your pet indoors right away.
  • Animals with flat faces, such as pugs and Persian cats, have more trouble breathing and may be more susceptible to overheating.
  • Paw pads can burn in extreme heat. Use booties or apply a product to your pet's feet to keep them from getting burned on asphalt. If you must walk your pet, try to keep it in grassy areas rather than on roads or sidewalks, which are very hot.
  • Always keep a supply of fresh water outdoors for your pet, and provide plenty of water indoors as well.
Hope that all these tips can help you to survive throughout the heat wave.Visit wikihow for more tips on these aspects..

Have a nice day and do take care ;)

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