Summer months in Connecticut often bring stretches of high temperatures and humidity. While many of us enjoy spending time outdoors during the summertime, it’s just important to take precautions to stay safe and avoid heat exhaustion, dehydration, and excessive sun exposure.
Take a look at tips for staying safe during the hot summer months in Connecticut:
1. Avoid being outdoors in peak temperatures
With temperatures in the mid to high 80’s during the summer, plan to go outdoors in the early morning or late afternoon once the sun begins to set. During the day, try to stay indoors with the air conditioning or fans on.
2. Stay Hydrated
Drinking plenty of water is important, especially during summertime! Stay hydrated by drinking water first thing in the morning and throughout the day to avoid feeling faint or sleepy, and avoid dehydrating drinks such as coffee, alcohol, or soda.
3. Pace yourself when outdoors
If you need to be outdoors on a hot day, have a plan to get ahead of the heat. Make sure to stay in the shade, drink water, wear lightweight clothing, and use a misting fan or cooling towels to stay cool.
4. Use sunscreen to avoid sunburn
Sunscreen is key in preventing sunburn which can lead to blistery skin, dehydration, swelling, and even infections or skin cancer. Sunburn can occur in as little as 15 minutes, so always apply sunscreen before you go outside and reapply every 2 hours!
5. Eat well & manage your medications
Eating light and balanced meals is a good way to regulate our body temperature and avoid feeling tired or drowsy. Try to avoid heavy meals filled with fried food, spicy seasoning, or lots of dairy – all of which are harder for our bodies to digest. Make sure to speak with your doctor to find out if any medications you are taking may have negative effects in extreme heat or should be avoided.
Learn more
For more information, take a look at Hot Weather Tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
