The weather forecast for the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley this summer can be summed up in one word: HOT.
Our communities are in for a hot and dry July and August, with very similar temperatures and weather to what we experienced last year.
As we head into a prolonged hot spell, it is important to take extra care while working and playing outside. Whether you are employed in an industry that requires you to work outdoors, or you’re an avid runner or gardener, taking extra precautions in the summer heat is important.
Take precaution if you’re working outside this summer.
Here are 6 tips to help you beat the summer heat:
Start with a plan
Heading for a hike? Spending the day at the beach? Planting a new row of veggies in your garden? Make sure to spend some time mapping out what your day will look like.
Ask yourself: how long will I be under direct sun? Do I have access to water and snacks? What will make me comfortable throughout the day?
From there, build out your supplies. Also be sure to someone know where you’re going to be, and have a deadline for when you’ll stop working or want to head home.
H2 – Oh!
The best way to stay hydrated is to get a jump on your liquids. Start drinking (and keep drinking!) water before you start to feel thirsty. It’s also important to avoid beverages with lots of sugar and caffeine, like energy drinks and coffee. They will speed up dehydration and increase water loss, something you want to avoid while spending time outside.
If you’re out and about without water, remember, there’s no shame in asking others for help – pop into a coffee shop or restaurant and ask for a glass. You can also eat your water throughout the day. Cut up cucumbers, celery or watermelon for a tasty, healthy snack with very high water content.
Know your limits (and play within them)
Even if you’re in peak physical condition, hot weather will tire you out much faster than on cooler days. It’s important to take the time to rest and allow your core temperature to cool down. Spend time in the shade, enjoy a cool breeze, and take breaks when your body feels fatigued.
Watch out for signs of heat exhaustion: dizziness, light-headedness, headaches, aches and chills and upset stomachs are all early signs of temperature-related distress.
Young children and older adults can be especially vulnerable to heat-related illnesses. While you monitor your own heat, check in with isolated seniors in your life. Could they use help creating their own wind tunnel (see below!)? Are the children at your gathering drinking water, and lots of it? As the temperature rises, consider how the right connection could make a big difference for others in your community.
Fashion forward
Do you have a favourite sundress? Are you ready to pull out last year’s Hawaiian patterned picnic shorts?
When it comes to your clothing, it’s easy to keep – and look – cool during the summer months. When you can, choose lightweight fabrics such as 100% cotton, linen and other breathable fabrics. Avoid tight fitting apparel and opt for loose fitting pieces that will allow your skin to breathe and support, not restrict movement.
Light-coloured clothing also reflects the light away from your body, so ditch the darks and embrace your lighter side.
Your biggest fan
Never underestimate the cost-saving, heat beating power of a fan!
Place a box fan in an open window at night to pull in the cooler air. Make your own wind tunnel by using multiple fans at once and see how much of a cool breeze you can generate throughout your house. Simply place one fan on the side of the house that receives a breeze and the other at the opposite end of the house, facing out.
Prep your home
While it may seem counter intuitive, closing your windows and keeping the blinds closed will actually keep your home cooler throughout the day. Think of it this way: you’re outfitting a little cave inside of your home, by stopping the warm air from getting in as the temperature rises throughout the day. You can also place houseplants in front of windows that tend to let the most sunshine, as they are able to absorb some of the sun’s energy.
As things begin to cool off (hopefully) at night, open windows to let the cooler air in to circulate through the house.
What are your favourite ways to stay cool? Let us know on Facebook and Twitter!
Looking for fun ways to get involved in your community this summer? We’ve got you covered.
Topics : Building Community, Local love
