8 Tips to Survive Extreme Heat This Summer

Liputan6.com, Jakarta - Summer is coming, and temperatures are getting hotter than before. Climate change has made extreme heat more common during the warm season. Knowing the right tips to survive extreme heat can help keep you and your family safe and healthy.

Very high temperatures can be dangerous for your health. They cause your body to lose water fast, make your heart work harder, and can lead to life-threatening conditions. Children, older adults, and people with health problems face the greatest risk.

In this article, you will find practical tips to survive extreme heat that can help protect your body and keep you safe. Read on to learn what you can do to stay cool when temperatures get dangerously high outside.

What you wear can make a very big difference on a hot day. Choose light-colored clothes made from natural fabrics like cotton or linen, as they allow air to pass through and help your skin breathe well. Avoid wearing dark colors and tight clothes at all, because they trap heat close to your body and make your temperature rise faster.

Your body loses a lot of water through sweat when the weather is extremely hot outside. Make sure to drink water regularly throughout the day, even if you do not feel thirsty at the moment at all. Try to avoid drinks that contain too much alcohol or caffeine, since they can make you lose even more water and become dehydrated quickly.

Air conditioning is one of the most effective ways to cool your body down during a period of extreme heat. If your home does not have air conditioning, try visiting public places like shopping malls, libraries, or community centers in your area. Even spending just a few hours in a cool indoor space each day can greatly lower your risk of heat illness.

The hottest part of the day is usually between 11 in the morning and 3 in the afternoon, so it is best to stay indoors during those hours. Plan your outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon when the temperature is much lower and more comfortable for your body. If going outside at midday is unavoidable, try to limit your time under the sun.

When you need to be outside on a hot day, staying in the shade can help protect you from direct sunlight and intense UV rays. Trees, canopies, and covered areas can reduce the temperature around you by several degrees quite effectively. Wearing a wide-brimmed hat or using an umbrella are also great and simple ways to keep the harsh sun off your skin.

Taking a cool shower or bath is one of the fastest and easiest ways to bring your body temperature down when you feel overheated. You do not need ice-cold water, since lukewarm water works just as well and is more comfortable to use. You can also place a cold, wet towel on your neck or wrists to help your body cool down quickly.

Knowing the warning signs of heat-related illness can save your life or the life of someone near you in an emergency. Heat exhaustion may cause heavy sweating, weakness, and dizziness, while heat stroke is more serious and can lead to confusion or loss of consciousness. If you or someone nearby shows these signs, move to a cool place right away and seek medical help immediately.