Weather extremes are nothing to joke about, so at LARGO Consulting Services we believe it's important that everyone follows a few essential summer weather safety tips. From early-season tornadoes to late-season hurricanes, it's wise to prepare for whatever Mother Nature has in store for us this summer. While we can't do much to prevent heat waves or lightning, we can help you prepare for severe summer weather!
Summer Weather Safety Tips #1 - Stay Cool
You may be surprised to learn that extreme heat causes more weather-related deaths than flooding or tornadoes! According to a 30-year average published by the National Weather Service, 136 people die each year from sunstroke or heat stroke.
Sunstroke is caused by exposure to too much sunlight and heat. When your body can’t cool itself adequately and you have a headache or if you're feeling hot, clammy, tired, dizzy, nauseated, and your heart is beating just a little too fast, it’s time to stop reading and find some air conditioning.
- Stay loose — wear comfortable, lightweight, and light-colored clothing
- Put a lid on it — wear a hat or invest in a reflective umbrella
- Avoidance is okay — try to stay out of the sun during the hottest part of the day.
- Exercise early — if you need to get a move on, do it before 9:00 am or after 4:00 pm.
- Drink up — we’re talking about water, folks, and plenty of it.
- Get acclimated — if you work outside or you’re on a beach vacation, let your body acclimate to the heat.
- Circulation is your friend — if you don’t have air conditioning, be sure to use fans to keep air flowing in your home.
- Invest in sunscreen — sunburn limits your body’s ability to keep itself cool. So even if it looks uncool, keep slathering yourself in sunscreen.
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Summer Weather Safety Tips #2 - Create an Emergency Plan
Whether you’re in a hurricane hotspot or tornado alley, preparation is critical. Ready.gov recommends creating an emergency action plan with your family.
Your plan should include the following information:
- How will I receive emergency alerts and warnings?
- What is my shelter plan?
- What is my evacuation route?
- What is my family/household communication plan?
You should also consider any special needs your household may have, such as aging parents and grandparents, young children, pets, medications, disabilities, and dietary requirements. Make sure that each member of your family understands the plan and don’t forget to practice!
While you’re at it, keep your phone charged and close by when extreme weather is forecasted. Keep your ears open for wireless emergency alerts (WEAs). “These alerts are made available through the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) infrastructure and are just one of the ways public safety officials can quickly and effectively alert and warn the public about serious emergencies” (Ready.gov).
Summer Weather Safety Tips #3 - Ride out the Storms — Pack an Emergency Kit
If you live in an area prone to flooding, hurricanes, or tornadoes, as it looks like more and more of us are each year, you may want to have an emergency kit stocked and ready to go. With a little preparation, you can be ready for just about anything.
Your emergency kit should contain the following:
- First aid kit
- Prescription and nonprescription medications
- Battery-powered NOAA Emergency Weather Alert Radio
- Crank-powered charger
- Batteries
- Emergency whistle
- Dust masks
- Flares
- Multi-tool
- Water (1 gallon per person per day)
- Food/energy bars
- Non-perishable food
- Can opener
- Blankets or sleeping bags
- Rain poncho
- Change of clothing
- Cash
- Moist towelettes
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Garbage bags
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