Maine Summer Heat Advisory: Important Safety Tips
.jpg)
"Im walkin' on sunshine wooah, and don't it feel good!" says the popular song lyric. Well, this brutal July weather we are experiencing certainly makes it feel like we are walking on the sun.. but for many of us Mainers, it doesn't feel too good. If you have ventured outside the past couple of days, you are probably aware that Maine, along with much of the nation, is in the midst of an extreme summer heat wave. We are feelin' hot, hot, hot right now as temperatures have soared to 102 degrees Fahrenheit in many parts of our state. However, with the mix of humidity and thick air, it feels like 109 degrees.
There is currently a Severe/Excessive Heat and Code-Red Air Warning issued by the U.S. National Weather Service, meaning that the heat index and air quality is dangerous and outdoor exposure should be limited.
With this current heat wave already having claimed 24 lives in the U.S., it has never been more crucial to take critical safety measures to try and stay healthy in these extreme hot temperatures:
- Drink, drink, drink and then drink even more water. H20 should be your best friend during these scorching days we are experiencing.
- Avoid strenuous exertion if you can. Excessive physical activity and exertion make many people more vulnerable to dehydration or fainting in this weather.
- If you have the luxury of having central air conditioning in your office or living space, take advantage of them. Close your windows and circulate air with fans or air conditioners.
- If you suspect that you, a family member, friend or pet may be suffering from heat exhaustion or dehydration, please seek prompt medical attention. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include: cool, moist, pale or flushed skin; heavy sweating; headache; nausea or vomiting; dizziness; and/or fatigue.
According to Maine state environmental officials, the culprit of this extreme rash of heat is ground-level ozone, which forms when sunlight strikes air pollution.
To help reduce the pollution that leads to ground-level ozone, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is advising people to wear cool and comfortable clothing, turn off uneccesary sources of electricity, and minimize the use of appliances and gasoline engines.
Mainers will be relieved to know that according to weather.com, starting on Sunday, temperatures are expected to dip back down to the bearable low 80's and high 70's... much more our speed.
In the meantime, until the sun decides to settle down, go jump in the neighbor's pool, run through the sprinkler a few times, have a water balloon fight or turn to those good old fashioned Super Soaker water toys... anything to try and stay cool, remain safe and hydrated and beat (or at least endure) this heat!
The Law Offices of Joe Bornstein - Maine Lawyers Working For Maine People.
