The 7 Deadly Sins of Surviving a Heat Wave

The worst heat wave in human history is still frying the United Kingdom, and in all likelihood, it’s not an anomaly. Climate changes means this is almost definitely the new normal (until it gets worse), so let’s review how to keep cool—or at least not die—during a heat wave. There were over 1,500 heat-related deaths in America in 2021 alone, and many of them could have been prevented if people had avoided these seven deadly sins of dealing with extreme heat.

The worst thing you can do during a heat wave is not take it seriously. Even young, healthy people can die from heat stroke, and no one is stronger than the unrelenting power of the terrible sun. So have a basic idea of how you’re going to keep cool when the temperature rises and keep up with weather reports so you know which days to stay inside in front of your air conditioner.

Keeping adequately hydrated during a heat wave comes down to a simple rule: Drink lots of fluids. But even though just about every human alive knows this already, countless people still suffer dehydration every summer.

The rough rule for how much water you need per day breaks down to between 1/2 an ounce and 1 ounce per pound of body weight, but it varies depending on the temperature, what you eat (lots of foods are high in water, like watermelon, for instance), how much you exercise, and your specific body.

Water is the the fluid-of-choice for hydration, but you can drink sports drinks, coffee, soft drinks, and juices as well. Just be wary of alcohol. There’s a debate about whether and how much alcohol dehydrates people, but to be on the safe side, stick to water. At the very least, pair each beer with an ice water.

If you’re not sure if you’re getting enough water, the color of your urine is a good indicator. The more clear your urine, the more hydrated you are. Dark urine is your body saying, “drink more fluids, ya dumbass.”

The benefits of regular exercise are too numerous to list, but you have to take some precautions during the summer. Here’s a basic checklist to make exercise during a heatwave safer:

Heat exhaustion is our body’s response to the excessive loss of fluids and salts that comes with heavy sweating. It can lead to heat stroke, a more serious problem along the “too hot” continuum. People die of heat stroke fairly often.

Here are the heat exhaustion signs to look for:

If you’re suffering from any of these things, move to a cool place, rest, and drink water or a sports drink. If you don’t start feeling better in around an hour, contact a medical professional.

Signs of heat stroke include confusion or agitation, loss of consciousness, and being unable to drink. Get medical attention immediately if you or anyone around you shows these signs.

Even people who have been dealing with hot summers their whole lives often aren’t cooling their home in the best way possible. Here are some tips for making your home less hellish during a hot spell.

The best kind of clothing to wear outside during heat spells is lightweight, light-colored clothing made of cotton or linen. Stay away from manmade fabrics, as they don’t “breathe” like natural ones. Cover as much of your skin as possible to protect it from the sun, and don’t forget a wide-brimmed hat and some sunscreen for the parts of you that are exposed. If you’re staying home, don’t wear any clothing; or wear as little as possible, anyway.

We live in a society, and you have an obligation to help the vulnerable members of it. When it comes to extreme heat, that means the elderly, children, and people with health problems. If that describes anyone you’re even acquainted with, give ‘em a call and check in. Make sure they have a cool place to go, are drinking enough water, and are aware of the signs of heat-related health problems. Even if you’re not close, what better excuse is there for knocking on your shut-in neighbor’s door?