Summer has arrived THROUGHOUT the US this weekend. A massive heat wave is gripping the country, with the East Coast getting hit hard with temps well over 100 degrees. As they say in New England, it’s a wicked scorchah! And, as the temperature rises, risks are higher for everyone’s health and safety. Did you know that?…
A car’s interior temperature can increase by 20 degrees in just 10 minutes?
Extreme heat has killed more people in the last 10 years than any other weather phenomena.
According to the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety, summer driving is often more dangerous than winter driving. Why? 1. School’s out. More younger drivers are on the road. 2. Blowouts. Hot air in your tire expands, leading to more tire blowouts on the road. 3. Traffic. Not just congestion, there’s simply more “stuff” on the road. More people travelling to unfamiliar places. More bicycles and motorcycles, more construction.
So, this weekend, here are some quick tips for you if you’re on the road, or just staying at home.
You and You Car
Take a back seat. If travelling with kids or pets, ALWAYS put something you’ll need in the back seat. You won’t forget!
Top off those fluids. Including YOU. Make sure you have plenty of coolant. For you and your car. A dehydrated driver is a distracted driver
Go Low. When cooling the car with A/C, start with the floor vents. They will push hot air up and out.
You and Your Home
I guarantee someone in the Northeast will lose power this weekend! Some quick and easy tips to cool down if the A/C goes haywire.
Cold Water Bottle. We’ve all heard of hot water bottles, so put that same bottle in the freezer and bring it anywhere you go. Don’t like the moisture? Fill a sock with rice, tie it off and put in freezer for an hour. Rice will stay cool for at least 30 minutes.
Drink Up. 8 ounces of water before you go to bed will hydrate you, but no more!
Hang out. Hang a wet sheet in front of a window for a cool cross breeze. Want to really hang out? Sleep in a hammock or low cot for more air circulation around you.
