Dealing With Extreme Heat

Mid-summer is when the heat turns up – scorching, extreme, fry-an-egg-on-the-sidewalk heat. The sun is relentless, the humidity is high and the AC is working overtime. In fact, at the time of this writing, we are in the middle of a heat wave in the Northeast.

Warmer than usual temperatures are to be expected in the Northeast July through August, although as a result of climate change, the frequency, duration and intensity of heat waves that we experience every year is only projected to increase, according to the World Health Organization.

When the mercury starts to rise into the 90s and push up into the 100s, it can become dangerous to our health, homes, cars and pets. Here’s how you can guard against extreme heat-related risks.

Health

Soaring temperatures cause your body to strain to maintain normal conditions, which can quickly lead to organ failure and even death in some cases. Excessive heat is the leading weather-related killer in the United States, according to the National Weather Service.

It is often a combination of high heat and humidity that can lead to illnesses like heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Learn the warning signs of each, and if you experience the symptoms or notice them happening to someone else, act right away. Most importantly, stay cool and stay hydrated.

Populations most prone to heat-induced sickness include the elderly, overweight individuals, infants, children and pregnant women. Check in on older neighbors and never leave a child or pet alone inside of a car, even with the windows down. Heatstroke is the most common non-crash, vehicle-related cause of death in children under the age of 15.

Outdoor and manual workers are also at higher risk. If you are a business owner with employees that often works in these conditions, such as a contractor, you want to make sure you have the right insurance coverage in place. Schedule a call to speak with a AAA commercial insurance specialist.

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Home

When it gets to be too hot outside, you want your home to be a place of refuge where you can cool down – not a hotbox. To keep the hot air out, Ready.gov recommends weather-stripping windows and doors, installing window air conditioners with insulation, covering windows with drapes or shades, using attic fans and setting up window reflectors such as aluminum foil-covered cardboard to deflect heat outside.

Preparing your home for extreme heat should be part of seasonal maintenance. Aside from making sure your house is as cool and energy-efficient as possible, without proper upkeep, heat can eventually start to take its toll on the structure. In the Northeast, this might include roof damage. Over time, roofing can expand and contract during extreme hikes and dips in temperature, making it susceptible to splits and leaks.

Cars

AAA stays busy in the summertime, as breakdowns tend to spike on hot days.

Extreme heat can take a toll on cars and can be especially stressful on engines. Check the coolant and make sure that it is periodically flushed and replaced as recommended by the vehicle manufacturer to prevent long-term engine damage and overheating.

Car batteries also hate the heat. Battery fluid evaporates faster in the summer, leading to corrosion. If a car’s battery is more than three years old, it’s a good idea to have it tested by a trained technician. AAA members can request Mobile Battery Service or take their car to any AAA Approved Auto Repair facility to be tested. And while you’re there, have them make sure your tires are inflated to the manufacturer’s specification and the AC is operating at full capacity.

If all precautions fail, you know who to call.

Check out more summer driving safety tips from AAA.

Pets

Pets, particularly dogs and cats with thick coats and short snouts, can quickly fall victim to heatstroke. Signs include panting or difficulty breathing, drooling, weakness, increased heart rate, lethargy and collapsing. Make sure your pets stay cool and well hydrated, don’t over-exercise them when it’s hot and keep them out of the direct sun.

And no matter how quickly you have to run into the store, don’t leave your pet in the car. Even if the temperature is only 70 degrees outside, the inside of your car can be up to 20 degrees hotter, according to the ASPCA, and cracking the window does not make much of a difference.

In most Northeast states, it is illegal to leave your pet unattended in a parked vehicle. If you see an animal confined in a hot car, immediately notify a nearby business so they can make an announcement to find the potential owner, and if necessary, call 911 and wait with the animal until help arrives.

How do you stay cool in extreme heat? Tell us in the comments.

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