Climate change is causing many kinds of extreme weather events to be much more common across the US. All over the country, heat waves have become a much more regular part of summer, and the data suggests that we can expect this trend to continue over the next few decades. Heat waves can be very uncomfortable, expensive, and even dangerous if not taken seriously. Let’s talk about how to prepare yourself and your home to manage extreme temperatures this summer!
You’re not imagining it: summers are indeed getting hotter. According to the EPA and the NOAA, since the 1960’s, the heat has been rising across all indicators. Heat waves are more frequent, they last longer, they’re more intense, and the season for heat waves is getting longer every year. Many studies have concluded that this trend is a direct result of human-caused climate change, and until we reduce emissions to fight climate change, we can expect heat waves to continue to increase in frequency, duration, and intensity.
There will always be some variation year to year on how hot it actually gets, as weather patterns like El Nino can cause spikes and dips in temperature and precipitation. But overall, the data is pretty clear: we can expect things to keep getting hotter for the near future at the very least.
Exposure to extreme heat, especially when combined with exposure to direct sunlight, can be very dangerous. Risks of heat exposure include severe dehydration, heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and sunburn. Extended exposure to heat can be deadly. Certain populations like children, the elderly, and pregnant women are especially vulnerable to effects of extreme heat, but everyone needs to be aware of the risks and do some preparations to stay safe.
In addition to the physical risks of heat, heat waves can also cause a big problem with our infrastructure: power outages from grid overload. When it gets hot, everyone cranks the AC, electricity demand skyrockets, and sometimes, this can cause blackouts. Thankfully, these are usually temporary, but even short outages can carry big health risks. And if nothing else, power tends to get a lot more expensive during heat waves.
Heat waves don’t always cause the same dramatic effect as, say, floods or earthquakes, so it may be tempting to ignore the risks or not prepare. But given the potential dangers (and the potential price tag of energy during heat waves) it’s important to prepare yourself and your home to deal with the heat!
If the forecast is showing extreme temperatures coming up, take note and adjust your plans accordingly. Heat illnesses can set in more quickly than you might think, so even if it seems like you’ll be okay to go for that hike or work in the garden, you may want to reschedule!
Plan to limit physical activity and keep out of the sun during the heat of the day. Stay in cool areas as much as possible, and wear breathable, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing to help keep cool. And stay hydrated with lots of water and electrolytes.
Before a heat wave hits, familiarize yourself with the symptoms of possible heat illnesses so you can be on the lookout for signs of sickness. Here’s a great breakdown of the signs of heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke, along with strategies for treating and managing each condition. Heat stroke is a very serious medical emergency, so if you or anyone else is experiencing those symptoms, seek medical treatment immediately.
There are some basic items to keep around your house that can help you stay cool through a heat wave, especially if power outages are likely. Here’s a list of staples to have around to keep cool!
The breeze from fans can help cool you down, especially when combined with AC. If you’re worried about blackouts in your area, consider buying a couple of battery-operated fans to keep cool if the power goes out.
Experts advise that spritzing yourself with water while using a fan can help the body cool down faster, so keep a few spray bottles filled with cool water around during a heat wave.
Blocking sunlight from coming into your home during heat waves can make a big difference in the temperature in your home. Blackout curtains can help reduce your energy bills all summer, too!
Staying hydrated is crucial during a heat wave, and extended power outages can affect water supply depending on the water source. Stock up on bottled water, or better yet, fill up some reusable water jugs to avoid plastic waste. And don’t skip the electrolytes—replenishing electrolytes is a big part of hydration, especially when it’s hot!
When it’s already hot inside, the last thing you want to do is turn on the oven or stove in your kitchen. Instead, opt for a grill or even an outdoor pizza oven to keep the heat out of the house. Also, these are great to have around if the power goes out!
This isn’t really necessary, but an inflatable or kiddie pool can be a fun and affordable way to keep cool during a heat wave. They’re especially great for kids and pets!
If you’re in an area where power outages and extreme heat are a real problem, you may want to consider buying a generator to keep yourself safe during outages. Just make sure the capacity of the generator lines up with your household’s needs, and don’t forget to test it seasonally!
If you don’t have AC, or the power goes out and your home becomes unbearable, it’s important to know where you can go to get out of the heat in an emergency. Local libraries, malls, community cooling centers, or even a friend’s house are all good options. Do some research before the heat wave hits and make a plan for what to do if your home is just too hot! If you’re dealing with a heat emergency, spending even a few hours in air conditioning can help your body regulate and keep you safe.
And importantly, don’t forget to check on friends and family, especially anyone who is more vulnerable to heat illness and anyone who might not have access to air conditioning.
As climate change continues to make heat waves more common and more serious, we should all be prepared to keep ourselves safe and cool during extreme heat events. Make a good plan, take the heat seriously, and stay safe and cool this summer!
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