MOUNT VERNON — A heat wave can be dangerous, especially in early June, after a long cool spring, when people aren’t used to high temperatures and high humidity.
Although other parts of the United States and the world are experiencing hotter days than Knox County, it pays to take precautions when outdoors or exerting oneself on hot days, especially when working in the sun.
Don’t rely on regular clothing or a rain umbrella to provide protection. The sun’s rays go right through everyday fabric because of its loose weave. What’s necessary are fabrics that are tightly woven with titanium dioxide fibers that will reflect the sun’s UVA and UVB rays, such as Coolibar’s SUNTECT or Sun Protective Clothing’s Solarweave. These unusual fabrics are not common, but those who work and play outdoors might consider them an investment in good health.
Reflected sunlight requires caution too, although it often goes unnoticed. Even when people are in the shade, the reflected light from cars, windows, water or sand can burn their skin.
It’s especially important to protect children. In addition to special clothing for children, parents can purchase sun-blocking beach cabanas and beach tents that children will love to play in, as well as stroller covers, throws and sun parasols. Children’s sunscreen should be at least SPF15.
Pam Magers, R.N., who works in Knox Community Hospital’s Cancer Clinic, recommends reapplying sunscreen — on children and adults — every hour or two; more often if they are in the water.
“Protect your head with a hat,” she said. “Wear loose clothing. Replace fluids if you’re sweating a lot. Drink water, and if you’re going to be out in the sun exercising or playing sports, drink sports drinks, in addition to water, to replace electrolytes.”
Magers agreed that skin can be sunburned though regular clothing, and that people don’t realize that fact.
“My husband is a farmer,” she said, “and he wears suspenders. He actually has a criss-cross on his back from getting sunburned through his shirts.”
Magers said the best prevention for sunburn and heatstroke may be to stay indoors during the hottest part of the day, which is 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
“The biggest thing is to not be out for an extended period of time if you can help it,” said Magers. “If you have to, stay in the shade as much as possible. Take breaks. Eat lighter, cold foods instead of heavy, hot foods; [foods] such as watermelon and juicy fruits that will provide nutrition as well as liquids.”
If a home air conditioner is not an option, fans will at least generate breezes to cool the skin. Interchurch Social Services and the Mount Vernon Fire Department are collecting new and gently used fans for distribution to people in need. Priority is given to families with young children and to the elderly.
The Energy Cooperative, which provides energy utility services to much of rural Knox County, has set a “peak alert,” asking its customers to help conserve energy during the peak-temperature hours of 2 to 6 p.m. daily.
Spokeswoman Andrea Kubik, communications manager, said a peak alert is not a power outage.
“We’re asking them if they can raise the thermostat in their home by 3 degrees, which reduces the load on the air conditioner. With temperatures as high as they are, it puts a load on the entire power system,” she said. “And if there’s anything else they can shut off that they’re not using, such as a computer that’s ‘asleep,’ that would be really beneficial, too.”
Kubik said people could also, for example, wait to run their dishwashers until later in the evening.
The Energy Cooperative offers a load control device program to its customers. The device is installed in the water heater, which can be turned off remotely by the company between 2 and 6 p.m. Kubik explained that the water remains hot for those four hours, and the heater comes on again after 6 p.m. to heat more water. Those who enroll in the program receive a rebate for the purchase of the device.
Pets also need special attention during heat waves. Provide them shade and plenty of water, with a replacement water container nearby in case of a spill.
