Five Way to Beat the Intense Heat

Heat waves can kill; they are deadly! Well, what's a heat wave? It is nothing but excessive heat in the atmosphere for long periods of time.

A heat wave is a prolonged period of excessively hot weather, which may be accompanied by high humidity. The term is applied both to routine weather variations and to extraordinary spells of heat which may occur only once a century. Severe heat waves have caused catastrophic crop failures, thousands of deaths from hyperthermia, and widespread power outages due to increased use of air conditioning. A heat wave is considered extreme weather, and a danger because heat and sunlight may overheat the human body.

The sweltering heat will not only bring the risk of heat-related illness but also turn to be life-threatening, if not treated. Most of us welcome hot weather, but when it's too hot for too long there are health risks. If a heatwave hits this summer, make sure the hot weather doesn't harm you or anyone you know. The temperatures may go way beyond the average-maximum temperature of a particular place when it gets affected by the heat wave. Sometimes, heat waves come with both heat and humidity and this can make things worse. In fact, heat waves kill more people than other natural calamities. Rising temperatures can be life threatening especially to children and aged people. Also, those whose work involves spending time outdoors are at the risk of suffering heat stroke during heat waves. So, let us discuss how to survive a heatwave.

•  Cooling Systems: It is important to know how to keep your house cool during heat wave. And staying indoors is very important when the climate is too hot.
• Fluids: Fluid take the first place. One of the most important precautions to be taken during heat wave is to avoid dehydration by drinking enough water.
• Clothing: Wearing cotton clothes and carrying an umbrella or a hat would help protect your head from the extreme heat.
• Heat: Electric and electronic appliances in your home may also generate heat. Also, cooking may generate heat indoors. Try to avoid using appliances as much as possible to minimise indoor heat.
• Shower: Soak your feet in cold water or take a shower whenever your body finds it difficult to manage the heat.

The key to beating the heat, of course, is prevention. If you take precautions and know the warning signs, you generally can prevent heat stoke.