Summer is slipping in, and with it is coming all that hot weather, of course. Which is great, but it can also be dangerous.
In an effort to raise awareness about the power of the sun’s heat and what it can really do, the last Friday in May has been named National Heat Awareness Day across the country and the entire month of June is Heat Awareness Month.
Here’s some history for a bit of perspective: in August of 2003 a record heat wave in Europe hit and claimed an estimated 50,000 lives.
Related: Mom Refuses to Break Window into Car to Save Toddler From Heat
Back in 1995, a giant heat wave killed more than 700 people in Chicago, making it the deadliest weather event ever in the city’s history.
And each year we hear of devastating stories of babies, young children and pets being left in hot cars, to die. (Never, ever leave your child or pet in a car on a hot day-or even a moderate day- even for 5 minutes. Take them with you. That thing heats up extremely fast, and is deadly).
Experts advise you be on the lookout for weather advisories as the season progresses, including heat outlooks, heat watches, heat warnings and heat advisories.
Stay hydrated, avoid drinking alcohol which can dehydrate you, as well as caffeinated drinks. Also, avoid over exerting yourself in hot weather and seek out a cool place to stay, such as the local mall or library.
For more on heat waves and the future, click here.
