How to protect yourself during a heat wave

TThe first major heat wave of the season brought scorching triple-digit temperatures across the U.S. Southwest this week, impacting metropolitan areas like Las Vegas and setting record highs in other countries. cities like San Angelo, Texas.

Sweltering heat will affect California, Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Oregon, Idaho and Wyoming through Friday, according to Accuweather. Local authorities are already preparing for a brutal heat season, while Phoenix firefighters plan to implement new tactics this year, such as ice immersionto save people from heat-related illnesses and deaths.

Rising temperatures pose major risks to Americans: extreme heat is listed as the biggest weather-related fatality in the US, according to the National Weather Service. It’s a problem that also disproportionately impacts people living in low-income areas, a study published in the Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute found.

This problem can only get worse over time. Last year was the hottest year on record – and some experts predict that 2024 could be even worse as climate change accelerates with rising carbon emissions.

This heat wave also comes on the heels of another natural disaster, while California is still recovering from the largest wildfire so far this season. “The Corral Fire became the first 10,000-acre fire this year in California,” said AccuWeather meteorologist Brandon Buckingham. “Given the heat, dryness and sunshine this week, there will likely be more fires that could spread quickly.”

Here’s how to protect yourself during a heat wave.

Stay at home as much as possible

During periods of extreme heat, residents should avoid being outdoors as much as possible. If you exercise outdoors, Experts say It is best to do it early in the morning and late at night when temperatures are not so high.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) advises people to stay in air-conditioned buildings, such as a shopping mall or public library, during periods of extreme heat. “Even a few hours spent in the air conditioning can help your body stay cooler when you return to the heat,” FEMA says.

Protect your body

To stay calm, people should also wear loose, light-colored and lightweight clothing. Staying hydrated is key to dealing with the heat, although using sunscreen is also important because it helps people regulate their body temperature, according to the University of California.

Keep your home cool

While people should prioritize moving into an air-conditioned space, even those without air conditioning can still keep their home cool. Experts say the most efficient way to do this is to block sunlight from entering the home through external shading techniques, installing plants that can absorb sunlight, or using blackout curtains.

It may be worth considering using insulated glass or low power windows to help block heat, or purchasing ceiling fans with large blades, experts previously told TIME. However, when temperatures reach 90ºC, the fans are no longer efficient.

see more information: How to Keep Your Home Cool in Extreme Heat

Recognize the signs of heat-related illness

Residents who expose themselves to heat are also at risk of exposing themselves to a range of heat-related illnesses, including heatstroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps, rashes and more.

Heatstroke is the most serious of these, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and can be fatal. Symptoms include confusion, slurred speech, loss of consciousness, sweating, seizures and elevated body temperature. Other forms of heat-related illness can cause headaches, nausea, general weakness, and more.

It is important to seek medical help if you or someone you know appears affected by the heat. Efforts to cool the person by placing cool, damp cloths on the skin, placing the person in an ice bath, or dousing clothing with cold water may help.

It is especially important to be careful around the elderly, pregnant women, people with underlying health conditions, and young children, who are at greater risk of heat-related illnesses.