The summer months bring higher temperatures and heat waves that can cause heat-related illnesses and car troubles. To make sure you’re prepared, here are some helpful tips. Reduced this verbiage before remembering to turn on tracking.

Heat-Related Illness

Preparation is the key to protecting yourself in high-heat conditions. It’s also important to know how to spot signs of overheating.

• Wear appropriate clothing. Lightweight, light-colored clothing will help keep you cooler outdoors. Avoid dark, tight-fitting clothing.
• Drink plenty of fluids, regardless of your level of activity. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink and do avoid sugary or caffeinated drinks, as they can cause you to lose more body fluid.
• If you plan to exercise or work outside, try to limit your activity to when it is coolest, like the morning and late evening hours.
• Heat-related illnesses can often cause nausea, dizziness, confusion, headache, fainting, tiredness, or weakness. Watch for signs. For more details on identifying and treating heat-related illness, please visit our two-part series on the topic.

On the Road

Preparing for your time on the road is particularly important when extreme weather conditions may impact your drive. In hotter months, be sure to take precautions.

• Make sure your car has enough coolant in the tank, and check the hoses and belts under the hood.
• Tires are sensitive to heat, so be sure to check your tire pressure every month to reduce the risk of a blowout.
• Be aware of your surroundings. Prolonged high temperatures can cause roads to buckle, resulting in pavement failures, tire damage, and accidents.
• Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle. Include water in your emergency supplies to avoid dehydration for you and any passengers.
• Be mindful of inside temperatures. Car interiors can get hot quickly. Never leave children or pets in a parked car for any amount of time, even in the shade.

At Home Preparation

It’s important to prepare your home before the hottest months hit. But you can take helpful steps at any point—even during a heat wave—to reduce heat-related problems in your home.

• Insulate your home. Insulation is equally as important during the summer as it is in the winter. Inspect your attic to make sure insulation is properly installed and not letting cool air escape.
• Check your windows and doors. A significant amount of air can escape from poorly sealed windows and doors. Check all seals for effectiveness and ensure they are properly maintained.
• Keep a fan or two available in case the air conditioner goes out. Even some airflow can help prevent heat-related discomfort and illness and humidity-related damage to your fabrics and wood.