Friendly reminder to SoCal people to please stay cool over the next few days. There’s a heat wave rolling in that’s pushing temperatures upwards of a ludicrous 120 degrees Fahrenheit (48-49 Celsius).
Don’t leave anything in your car that can melt or die. (And buckle your seat belts while you’re gone to prevent the metal buckle from burning you when you return!)
Drink water and eat salty foods to retain it.
Make sure your AC works and make sure your ceiling fans are on a Summer setting so they spin the correct direction. Keep your windows and doors closed so the cool air doesn’t escape.
Keep an eye on your pets! Give them lots of water and hose them down if they’ll tolerate it. Keep them indoors if you can. If they have thick fur, consider giving them a shave. If they have exposed skin, remember that they can probably sunburn, too.
FOR THE LOVE OF ALL THAT IS HOLY USE SUNSCREEN. Keep Aloe handy in case you burn. Even if you’re darker skinned, protect that melanin!! Vitamin E cream is good for getting rid of free radicals and repairing UV damage.
Wear hats. I don’t care if you think you look silly. Wear a brimmed, ventilated hat.
If your place of employment requires you to work outside, demand frequent breaks in air conditioned shade. If they do not provide this for you. CONTACT OSHA. That’s illegal and unsafe and could very easily kill you.
Pace yourself, stick to the shade, and keep an eye on those around you for heat stroke!
Also: if you don’t have air conditioning, public libraries pretty much always do and are a great place for you/your family to spend the hottest parts of the day. Most of them have wifi and don’t mind if you sit in the corner on your lap top all day. And if you have kids they should have a kids section and often some sort of kids activity/read out loud program in the mornings.
Also: if you have a dog with an undercoat like a husky or collie, DON’T SHAVE THEM. The fur layers actually help with heat dispersal, and they won’t grow back well. Give them a kiddie pool of water if possible, lots of water, and ice cubes or frozen meat broth instead. They’ll thank you.
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