How to Survive in Arizona Heat
Extreme & Uttermost Heat
If you are planning to visit Arizona, the first and foremost thing which you should take in mind is its extreme heat and hot weather. Summers in Phoenix are hottest in the World. If you keep in mind some precautions, you can easily go out to a valley to enjoy the weather and can make your trip memorable. You will be saved from every kind of heat illness. Drinking plenty of water is the first and the most effective way to beat the heat. There is also much more to keep in mind for yourself, family and pets.
Arizona's heat is changing
The hot season has become lengthy in Arizona. The death rates have grown due to the increase in heat. What could be the condition of people in this weather that tops out 120 F? Climate scientists are worried about this condition. They are incorporating cool-roof technology to reduce Arizona’s heat effect. These steps could be efficacious to take down the urban-heating trend.
Factors responsible for Arizona Heat & weather
Many factors bring to the region's blistering climate, but we will discuss here only five.
- Location of Phoenix
Arizona is located much comparatively closer to the equator. As a result, Arizona picks up much heat from the Sun. Longer days extend more chance for things to fire up.
- Elevation of Arizona
Phoenix is about 1,000 feet high from sea level. This the reason Phoenix weather so hot above sea level. But many places are at a higher altitude and thus cooler.
- High pressure
Phoenix’s weather map exemplifies high atmospheric pressure. Because high pressure often results in clear, dry conditions, this takes parts of Phoenix’s uttermost heat. Sunny days have more time for heating up and less time for cooling the earth.
- Heat is dry
June is the hottest month. In June average rain is only 0.02/inch. The dry air causes uttermost temperatures. The lack of humidity takes place which means it takes less energy to heat up.
- Urban Heat
Heat is more extreme in urban areas as compared to non-developed areas due to buildings built of concrete and asphalt in metro areas. These Buildings hold on to heat more than the countryside. Industrial Development, particularly from the last 30 to 40 years, has worked here.
Precautions
(Things to know in Advance)
We definitely don’t want these troubles but if you read these seven things, it will help you get through your summer safely.
- Signs & Symptoms of Heat-Related Illness
According to the Arizona Department of Health Services, the following steps should be followed which contains several warning signs along the way.
- Thirsty:
By the time your body tells you that you are thirsty, you are already mildly dehydrated.
- Heat cramps:
Heat cramps are muscular pains and spasms due to heavy exertion. They usually involve the abdominal muscles or the legs. The loss of water and salt from heavy sweating causes heat cramps.
- Heat Exhaustion:
The heat-related illness usually comes in the following stages.
1. Cool
2. moist
3. Pale skin (the skin may be red right after physical activity)
4. A headache
5. Dizziness and weakness or exhaustion
6. Nausea
7. The skin may or may not feel hot
Heat exhaustion is less dangerous than heat stroke. It typically occurs when some exercise or work in a warm and humid place. In this case, the body could not become cool. Take the infected person to a cool and comfortable place. Don’t give him milk instead of water. If he is still in serious condition Call 9-1-1 to get help.
- Heat Stroke or Sunstroke
Signs vary but may include:
1. Vomiting
2. Confusion
3. A throbbing headache
4. Decreased alertness level
5. complete loss of consciousness
- High body temperature
Body temperature could be very high. Sometimes it may be as high as 105° F, Skin may still be moist or the victim may stop sweating and the skin may be red, hot and Dry.
- Drink Water more than your routine
Water gets more important when we use it for drinking purpose, especially in a case when you are in Arizona, you should keep in mind, to drink water more than you drink in a normal routine so that your water level in your body should remain balanced.
· People those stay mostly indoors all day should drink at least 2 liters of water per day.
· People that spend time outdoors should drink 1 to 2 liters per hour that they are outdoors.
· People that do the strenuous activity outdoors should be very careful, being your body can lose up to 4 liters of water per hour during strenuous activity. You should carry water with you and drink even if you do not feel thirsty.
· Be heat safe and avoid alcohol, which dehydrates the body.
· Avoid using salt tablets unless directed to do so by a physician.
- Phoenix doesn’t get cool
If you are in hope that you can enjoy whether at night, don’t imagine so because the temperature never goes below to 80 degrees even at mid-night time when every side is dark and is more humidity than day-time. The temperature even does not come below 90 degrees at night.
- Home interiors could Heat up
In Phoenix summer while driving, your car interior could be heated up very much. The temperature could be reached at 150 degrees. According to the Phoenix Fire Department, the car interior should not remain at 150 degrees until 15 minutes. Be careful before becoming your car a “skyrocket”.
5. Cars don’t like heat
Sun in Arizona is cruel to your car, so don’t forget to park your car in a safe shade. Be careful to touch metal parts of your car when you get into the car. It Heat and melt your cellphones and laptops batteries, so when you come out from your car, get these electronic gadgets with you to any harm.
6. How to survive a bee attack
Summers and bees come together in Phoenix. As temperatures rise, so does bee activity. At daytime, you will not see animals or insects but at night while going in the Valley you might encounter a bee. A bee encounter can range from painful to deadly. In last years, bees killed a few people and dogs, so before you run into a swarm of bees you need to know this advice from the Glendale Fire Department.
1 Keep pets and children inside the house when using weed eaters, hedge limiters, motor mowers, chainsaws, etc. Bee attacks frequently, when a person is mowing the lawn or pruning bushes and unknowingly strikes a nest.
2 If you encounter a drove, run as quickly as you can. Get indoors as soon as possible. If not closer to a building hide under a shed or get into the car. Shut the doors off to avoid you from bees.
3 Save your head and eyes because bees often attack these parts of the body.
4 Avoid moving to a colony, because bees can also target other persons.
5 If you think you will be saved when you jump into a water pool, it’s your false. Bees will wait for you.
6 If you are attacked much by bees and have many strings, seek medical aid at once.
7. Watch out for flash floods
Phoenix has a short average rainfall, so there is a little possibility of floods there, but when rain falls it could be dangerous. Precautions must be kept in mind while driving. After rainfall roads look like a crystal that reflects light and your eyes could be deceived. You should be careful because many accidents have been seen in previous years. Do follow some useful tips,
· wear sunglasses
· reduce your car’s speed
· Keep your car’s breaks ok
Wrap-up
If you keep in mind all the precautions and bits of advice, you will be saved from any danger and you can enjoy a lot. The reality is this Phoenix weather is very hot. Keep an eye on Phoenix.org for attractions, events, restaurants and much more new to make your trip everlasting and memorable.
Heat Safety
Arizona is one of the hottest places on earth. The summer season lasts from May to September, which is on its full strength. Heat-related illnesses and diseases are usual during the summer. Every year, about 2,000 people visit Arizona emergency rooms because of heat-related illnesses. Some heat-related sickness can even be fatal and disastrous. About 1,300 deaths from natural heat have happened in Arizona from 2005 to 2015.
Steps by Govt. for Heat-Related illness
A summary of heat-related deaths and sickness have been reported in the Infant Mortality and Morbidity from Natural Heat in Arizona, 2005-2015 Report. Observing the need, the Arizona Department of Health Services has developed,
· A Heat Emergency Response Plan
· A Heat Safety Resource Guide
· A bilingual Heat Brochure
The Heat Relief Network offers tips for,
· staying safe in the heat and Hydration
· Collection maps for places to get water
· Donate water around Maricopa County.
Heat Relief Recourses
· you can find relief from the heat in Pima County by visiting one of the Summer Sun Respite Locations. Respite locations provide an air-conditioned space, free water, and other services.
· For heat relief resources in Yuma County, you can find information here on Cooling Center locations and places to Donate Water.
General Care for Heat Emergencies
General care for heat emergencies includes cooling the body, giving fluids, and minimizing shock. For specific heat-related emergencies, follow these steps:
Dress for the heat: Wear lightweight, light-colored clothes. Light colors will reflect away some of the sun's energy. It is also a good idea to wear hats and pea caps or to use an umbrella.
Use Sunscreen: Always apply sunscreen to uncovered skin.
Food: Eat small meals and eat more often. Avoid foods that are high in protein which increases metabolic heat.
Exercise schedule: Slow down and avoid strenuous activity. If you must do strenuous activity, do it during the coolest part of the day, which is usually in the morning between 4:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. when possible to exercise and Take regular breaks when engaged in physical activity on warm days. Take time out to find a cool place. If you recognize that you, or someone else, are showing indications of a heat-related illness, stop the activity and find a cool place. Remember, have fun, but stay cool!
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