Summer Weather Toolkit

Summer Weather Preparedness

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Hurricane

Download the Ready Virginia app to receive emergency notifications. http://ow.ly/muAw303mamP

Before a hurricane, make a family emergency communication plan. https://www.ready.gov/make-a-plan

During a hurricane know where to go. If you are ordered to evacuate, know the local hurricane evacuation route(s) to take and have a plan for where you can stay.  https://goo.gl/J4EMtq

During a hurricane if you are not in an area that is advised to evacuate plan for adequate supplies in case you lose power and water for several days and you are not able to leave due to flooding or blocked roads. Learn about other items that should be in your supply kit: http://ow.ly/Rnrk303kPgs

Do you have a disaster supply kit? Remember to include a flashlight, batteries, cash, first aid supplies, and copies of your critical information if you need to evacuate. http://ow.ly/xwhT303kCn2

Heat

The summer months can be brutal to your dog. Dogs are much more susceptible to heatstroke than humans. Dogs wear their fur coat all year round. Dogs have sweat glands on their feet, but they do not have them on the rest of their body. They rely on panting, a method of breathing out excess heat, to cool down their bodies. This method is not as effective as sweating. Keep pets cool this summer: wet down your dog before and during outside sessions, limit outside time, and stay in the shade and walk on the grass as much as possible. http://www.redcross.org/prepare/disaster/pet-safety/protecting-pets-from-heat

Never leave children, disabled adults or pets in parked vehicles! Each year, dozens of children and untold numbers of pets left in parked vehicles die from hyperthermia. Hyperthermia is an acute condition that occurs when the body absorbs more heat than it can handle. Hyperthermia can occur even on a mild day. Studies have shown that the temperature inside a parked vehicle can rapidly rise to a dangerous level for children, pets and even adults. Leaving the windows slightly open does not significantly decrease the heating rate. The effects can be more severe on children because their bodies have not developed the ability to efficiently regulate its internal temperature. http://ow.ly/oz5c3018ik3

Check on your neighbors. Although anyone can suffer heat-related illness, some people are at greater risk than others. People aged 65 or older are particularly susceptible to heat-related illnesses and complications that can result during periods of high temperatures and humidity. http://ow.ly/Riy43018hzS

Outdoor workers can be at a higher risk to the effects of excessive heat. Here are some recommended practices when working under hot conditions: Drink water often, rest and cool down in the shade during breaks, gradually increase workload and allow more frequent breaks for new workers or workers who have been away for a week or more, know the symptoms, prevention, and emergency response to prevent heat-related illness and death and check weather forecasts ahead of time to be better prepared. http://ow.ly/Riy43018hzS

Extreme Heat

Summer temperatures in Virginia normally climb into the upper 90’s and even reach over 100 degrees at times. The hot temperatures and high heat indexes can cause ill health effects.

The body normally cools itself by sweating. But under some conditions, sweating just isn’t enough. Prolonged exposure to heat can cause cramping, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and even death. It is important to stay hydrated and seek cool temperature environments until the heat subsides.

Here are some tips to avoid heat-related illness during the summer:

Drink water. When the temperature rises, it is important to drink plenty of water. Drinks that contain caffeine, large amounts of sugar or alcohol should be avoided because they can cause you to become dehydrated.

Keep cool indoors. On hot days, prevent illness by keeping cool indoors. If your home is not air conditioned, try to spend the hottest hours of the day in a cool public place such as a library, movie theater, or store.

Dress for the heat. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. Light colors will reflect away some of the sun’s energy. It is also a good idea to wear hats or to use an umbrella. Always apply sunscreen to exposed skin.

Limit physical activity. Avoid excessive physical exertion in hot temperatures, especially in the middle of the day. If you must work outdoors, stay hydrated by drinking 2-4 glasses of water each hour and take frequent breaks in a cool place. Even a few hours in an air-conditioned environment reduces the danger of heat-related illness.

Do not keep children or pets in cars. Temperatures inside a car with windows up can reach over 150 degrees quickly, resulting in heat stroke and death.

Check on your neighbors. Although anyone can suffer heat-related illness, some people are at greater risk than others. People aged 65 or older are particularly susceptible to heat-related illnesses and complications that can result during periods of high temperatures and humidity.

Learn more about Extreme Heat and Heat-Related Illnesses.

Twitter

Hurricane

What should be in your hurricane kit? https://www.ready.gov/kit #HurricanePrep #HurricaneStrong

Download the Ready Virginia app to receive emergency notifications. http://ow.ly/muAw303mamP

Before a hurricane, make a family emergency communication plan. https://www.ready.gov/make-a-plan

Know the difference between a hurricane watch and hurricane warning. http://ow.ly/sN5n303kP3m

Do you have a disaster supply kit? Know what to include: http://ow.ly/xwhT303kCn2

During a hurricane if you are ordered to evacuate, know local hurricane evacuation route(s) & where you can stay. https://goo.gl/J4EMtq

Heat

Learn how to be safe in the heat. Visit http://ow.ly/Riy43018hzS for more. #heatsafety

When temps rise limit your outdoor activity to morning & evening hours. Know the signs of heat-related illness http://1.usa.gov/1ji4qiV

NEVER leave children or pets in a closed car, even with a window cracked. More tips at http://ow.ly/Riy43018hzS

Keep the water bottles handy. It’s going to be HOT today. More #heatsafety tips at http://ow.ly/Riy43018hzS

Are you ready for the heat? Read #heatsafety tips at http://ow.ly/Riy43018hzS

Stay cool. Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. http://1.usa.gov/1L0s0cQ #heatsafety

When temperatures rise do you know how to prevent heat-related illness? Prepare for heat, http://ow.ly/Riy43018hzS