Summer kicks-off tomorrow – Be heat safety aware

Yep, tomorrow is the official start of summer with the beginning of the summer solstice. That also means that it is the day with the most hours of sunlight during the whole year. What will you do this weekend to take in all that sunshine?

Besides sunny skies, when we think about the summer we often think of hot weather. However, it is more than just what the mercury reads on the thermometer to give us the perception of heat. The heat index and relative humidity can also have a huge impact.

Normally, the body cools itself by sweating, but when the weather is particularly hot and humid, you may not sweat enough to keep yourself cool. When your body temperature increases too much, heat-related illnesses can occur. These range from minor irritations like heat rash or cramps, to potentially deadly conditions like heat exhaustion and heatstroke.

We want to have fun in the sun, but we also want to stay cool, comfortable, and safe from heat-related illness. We know using an air conditioner is impractical — and irresponsible — outdoors, but did you know an evaporative cooler actually works best outdoors or with a supply of outside ambient air to deliver a major temperature reduction? Plus, they are energy efficient — often costing less than a $1 a day to operate.

Old evaporative coolers, often called swamp coolers, weren’t very efficient and did not provide much cooling outside the optimal climate regions. While it is true that evaporative coolers achieve more significant temperature drops in arid climates and drier spaces, they provide relief from the heat anywhere — even humid climates. For example, in regions where relative humidity reaches 70% at midday with temperatures higher than 90 degrees Fahrenheit, portable evaporative cooling systems have been shown to offer noteworthy relief. Given that relative humidity is lowest in the afternoon when the temperature is at its highest, an effective evaporative cooling scenario is achievable.

With evaporative coolers to accommodate 300 square feet to more than up to 6,000 square feet, take a look at the Portacool portable evaporative cooler that is right for your patio, deck, garage, barn, worksite or any area where air conditioning is not practical to achieve effective spot cooling this summer and prevent heat stress. You don’t have to limit your activity in the heat when you have the right cooling accessory!

Here are a few tips for being wise with heat safety this summer:

• Choose your outdoor time wisely. Whenever possible, avoid spending time outside during the hottest parts of the day, which is typically noon to 5 p.m. Choose outdoor activities you can enjoy in the early morning or evening, such as grilling and dining al fresco or going for a walk.
• Keep everyone hydrated. When the weather is hot, it is more important than ever to ensure everyone in the family – from children and pets to parents and grandparents – gets enough water. While outdoors, be sure to have ample bottled water on hand and don’t forget to keep your pet’s bowl filled with fresh, clean water — and give him plenty of opportunities to drink — while outdoors.
• Leverage cooling technology to make outdoor spaces more comfortable. Sometimes, you have to be outside during hotter times of the day. Keeping cool is key. Evaporative cooling uses the natural process of evaporation to make outdoor spaces more comfortable during hot weather. Portacool portable evaporative coolers move water through our custom-made evaporative media to produce cooled air. This can make outdoor spaces such as the patio, deck, barn, or garage more enjoyable during the hot months.
• Seek shade. If your patio or deck isn’t covered, use movable umbrellas or awnings to create plenty of shade. Going to a ballgame or the beach? Take an umbrella to shield you from the sun or wear a wide-brimmed hat to keep the sun off your face.
• Choose weather-smart attire. When the weather’s very hot and the sun is bright, choose loose-fitting clothing made from lightweight materials and opt for lighter colors. This type of clothing will be more comfortable when you sweat, and lighter colors reflect heat more efficiently. If you will be working outdoors for any length of time, consider long-sleeved shirts and long pants in moisture-wicking materials to help shield your skin from sun exposure.

We cannot prevent heat during the summer, but taking a little time to plan ahead when you know you or those you care about will be outdoors for extended periods can save your health and your summer.

Play it safe this summer!