Well, we are more than halfway through the Summer and have already been through several heat waves this year. As a reminder all county libraries are open as cooling centers and charging stations. Please see the end of this blog for specific library hours of operation. When you are not cooling off at one of the county libraries here are some tips for staying cool and hydrated.
· Drink lots of water
· In extreme heat drink water even before you feel thirsty
· Avoid alcohol, sodas and caffeine
· Eat foods with high water content such as cucumbers, celery, tomatoes, watermelon and strawberries
· Wear lightweight, light colored and loose-fitting clothing
· Keep skin wet, use spray bottle, take cool showers
· To quickly cool off try running or putting cold water on your wrists and/or ankles
· Try to avoid being outside when sun is at its strongest usually between 10-4
· When in the sun cover your head with a hat
It is also very important to check on any elderly neighbors and make sure that any pets are also staying cool and hydrated. Do not leave pets or children in the car even for a short period of time. It only takes ten minutes for the interior of the car to be dangerous if not deadly. At a temperature of 90 degrees outdoors, in 10 minutes the inside of one’s car is 109 degrees, in 20 minutes it reaches 119 degrees!
So, get outside, enjoy the rest of Summer but do so safely and stay hydrated!
