(C) Daily Kos This story was originally published by Daily Kos and is unaltered. . . . . . . . . . . Beat the Heat Dome [1] ['This Content Is Not Subject To Review Daily Kos Staff Prior To Publication.'] Date: 2024-06-17 It’s gonna be a hot one for the next for days. It’s important to plan ahead, pace yourself, and don’t stress the electric grid. So, run the AC, but you don’t need to live in a refrigerator just because it’s hot outside. Remember, EVERYONE is going to be running AC if they can. Don’t contribute to a blackout by panicking because of the heat messaging in the media — the media wants you TERRIFIED so you keep checking back to watch their advertisements. Don’t be a sucker. Keep informed but DON’T PANIC. Keep the windows and curtains closed, run moderate AC (keep cool, not chilly). Turn on a fan or two. If nighttime temps get below your preferred indoor temperature, open the windows at night to let in the cool breezes (and let out the heat). If it’s hotter outside than your indoor temperature (likely in a heatwave) keep the windows closed. Wear light clothing (heck, if you’re inside and alone or with your partner, wear nothing!). Don’t exert yourself. This is not the time to organize the garage. Drink plenty of cool or tepid WATER. Limit ice cold fluids. Drink BEFORE you get thirsty. (Pay attention to your urine color when you pee — if it’s pale yellow, you’re good. If it’s very dark, hydrate more). If you drink Gatorade or other sports drink, dilute it 50/50 with water. AVOID caffeinated drinks and alcohol. Have a sugar free ice pop or two! If you get too hot, take a cool shower or bath. Use a spray bottle to keep your skin moist to aid in evaporative cooling. Put a cool, moist cloth on your forehead or face. Consider wetting your shirt or a tie bandanna loosely around your neck and wet it with cool water from time to time. The moist fabric will draw heat from your skin. When the fabric gets warm, re-wet it with cool water. Don’t stand in front of your open refrigerator door to get cool. Yes, it feels good, but the compressor generates heat to cool it back down when you shut the door. You’ll just end up pumping more heat into your house when you want it cool. Put ice packs in your armpits and groin (not directly on your genitals) . Wrap the ice pack in a towel, first, you don’t want the cold directly on your skin. (Groin because your major veins and arteries go through there with all the blood in your body about once per minute. Armpits the same, but less so.) Older folks! monitor your body temp and watch out for getting flushed, chest pain, or if you stop sweating in the warm. Older folks don’t regulate body temperature as well as people under 40 and we can get over-heated easily. Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion (heat exhaustion does not mean you are exhausted from exerting yourself, it just means your body isn’t handling it’s internal temperature well due to external heat): Cool, moist skin with goose bumps when in the heat. Heavy sweating. Faintness. Dizziness. Fatigue. Weak, rapid pulse. Low blood pressure upon standing. Muscle cramps. Nausea. Headache. If you experience these symptoms, get to a cool(er) place immediately and drink lots of cool to tepid water (not ice cold water — if you drink very cold fluids when over-heated, your body can have what’s called a vagal response and this can cause you to pass out). Consider calling EMS. If you can’t keep your house or apartment cool, call your town’s emergency services. There should be a library or school nearby that offers an air conditioned space you can go. You can ask for a ride to be provided if you don’t have a car. Symptoms of Heat Stroke (Heat Stroke is not like a brain stroke, it’s the most serious heat-related illness you can experience). High body temperature. A core body temperature of 104 F (40 C) or higher, obtained with a rectal thermometer, is the main sign of heatstroke. A core body temperature of 104 F (40 C) or higher, obtained with a rectal thermometer, is the main sign of heatstroke. Altered mental state or behavior. Confusion, agitation, slurred speech, irritability, delirium, seizures and coma can all result from heatstroke. Confusion, agitation, slurred speech, irritability, delirium, seizures and coma can all result from heatstroke. Alteration in sweating. In heatstroke brought on by hot weather, your skin will feel hot and dry to the touch. However, in heatstroke brought on by strenuous exercise, your skin may feel dry or slightly moist. In heatstroke brought on by hot weather, your skin will feel hot and dry to the touch. However, in heatstroke brought on by strenuous exercise, your skin may feel dry or slightly moist. Nausea and vomiting. You may feel sick to your stomach or vomit. You may feel sick to your stomach or vomit. Flushed skin. Your skin may turn red as your body temperature increases. Your skin may turn red as your body temperature increases. Rapid breathing. Your breathing may become rapid and shallow. Your breathing may become rapid and shallow. Racing heart rate. Your pulse may significantly increase because heat stress places a tremendous burden on your heart to help cool your body. Your pulse may significantly increase because heat stress places a tremendous burden on your heart to help cool your body. Headache. Your head may throb. If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY! Enjoy the summer, folks, and be safe in the heat! 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