Heat advisories have spread through the state all week - and many residents are starting to feel the effects of the brutal temperatures.
With the summer season in full swing, there are ways to avoid the dangers of the blazing South Florida sun.
Dehydration, a common side effect of extreme heat exposure, occurs when the body lacks sufficient water. Construction workers, summer camp counselors and beachgoers should watch out for these dangerous signs of a person who is possibly dehydrated.
- Fatigue
- Loss appetite
- Flushed skin
- Heat intolerance
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- Light headedness
- Dark urine
- Dry cough
Cleveland Clinic recommends that at the presence of these symtoms, a doctor must be consulted to ensure safety.
Cleveland Clinic released tips to avoid dehydration on their website. From 1 to 2 hours before an outside activity, you should drink 16 to 20 fluid ounces of water. While outdoors, you should drink six to 12 fluid ounces of water every 10 to 15 minutes.
Stick to water, as alcoholic and caffeinated beverages - including fruit juices - do not hydrate as well.
Still missing that flavor? Cleveland Clinic recommends adding water-based fruits to your fluids.
Now that you’ve taken care of your body, here’s how to take care of your home during these summer days.
Florida Power and Light published a brochure with ways to keep your house cool in the heat.
The company recommends keeping thermostats at or above 78 degrees, on the auto function. If it’s still too warm, use a fan to help circulate air within rooms. Here are some extra tips to help keep homes cool that could save money in the long run.
- Close shades to keep sunlight out
- Keep interior doors and vents open
- Grill outside, not inside
- Replace A/C filter regularly
FPL also suggests investing in smart thermostats, which use sensors to fluctuate indoor temperatures, as they can save up to 3% of total energy costs a month.
