HEAT SAFETY: Limit Time Outdoors, Stay Hydrated

Hot weather isn’t anything new for us this summer, but now that school is back in session, many of us forget about how hot it can still get this time of year.

Sarah Boese with the Polk County Health Department says that means you’ll want to stay hydrated throughout the day.

“The lower dew point and the higher wind make it feel not quite like it’s going to be 100. So, that makes it easier for us to go about our day as usual, not thinking that it’s as hot as it actually is, so we might not drink as much as we should be, and can be at an increased risk for dehydration,” says Boese.

People are encouraged to drink more water than usual and not wait until you are thirsty to have a glass of water.

Caffeinated and alcoholic beverages should be limited, as well as the amount of time spent outdoors doing physical activity.

Boese says it’s important to keep an eye on kids during recess and after school activities, and make sure they take plenty of breaks in the shade or air conditioning.

Several schools are dismissing early because of the heat. You can find a list here.