Summer temperatures that exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit are common throughout the Southwest. However, being used to these extreme temperatures doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take steps to make sure you’re safe. Learn how you can better protect yourself from the dangers of these scorching temperatures.

Hydrate Before You Feel Thirsty

In dry, desert heat, it’s easy to underestimate how quickly your body loses water. Even if you’re not sweating profusely, being outside in the heat can cause your body to slowly lose fluid. That’s why it’s critical to drink water regularly throughout the day instead of waiting until you’re thirsty.

Start your morning with a full glass of water, and keep a refillable water bottle with you throughout the day. If you’re going to spend most of the day working outside, it’s also a good idea to supplement your water intake with electrolyte-rich drinks. This ensures that you’re replacing lost minerals and sodium.

Dress for the Heat

When choosing clothes to you wear when dealing with the heat, the key is to stay cool while staying covered. You won’t want to expose your skin to the harmful UV rays of the sun or wear clothes that are too heavy. This is why breathable, natural materials like cotton and linen are such a good choice for people in this region.

The colors that you choose are also important. Wear light colors that reflect sunlight instead of dark colors that absorb it. Top off your look with a wide-brimmed, breathable hat that will shade your face and neck and keep your head cool.

Know the Signs of Heat-Related Illness

Heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and other heat-related illnesses can sneak up on you, which is why it’s crucial to recognize the signs as quickly as possible. Go to a shaded, cool area, and slowly start rehydrating when you recognize any of the following signs:

• Dizziness

• Headache

• Nausea

• Cramps

• General weakness

Be Smart About Outdoor Activity

While you can’t spend all summer indoors, you need to be as smart as possible when it comes to how long you stay outside, what you do while you’re there, and what time of day you go out. Unless your job requires you to spend all day outside, try to wait until evening to do any lawn work or other tasks that require you to stay outside for long periods.

Pay special attention to heat advisories and other alerts. By knowing what’s happening outside, you can better decide when to go out there.

Keeping your AC running at its best ensures that you have a cool, safe space to rest and recover from the heat. When you need air conditioner repair or installation for your Tucson, AZ home, call Pride Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical.