DEALING WITH EXTREME HEAT

                                                                     

Mozambique

  A brief introduction of dealing with extreme heat and it's related issues

Whilst it is not something we need to deal with on a regular basis here in the U.K it is worthy to make a little preparation as opposed to waiting for that odd heatwave to be upon us

During the European heatwave of 2003 around 20,000 heat related deaths were recorded across Europe of which 2,000 were in the U.K. in which the maximum temperature recorded was 36C                                                      Wiki

Problems with water and power supplies ensued, farming suffered with crop failure and livestock deaths. Transport was also subject to problems including buckled railway tracks and melting roads 
                    LINK - 2003 heatwave
Being forewarned of a impending heatwave can give a short time of preparedness although perhaps it would be wise to prep in advance.

 EVEN IF YOU CAN COPE WITH THE       HEAT EXPECT PROBLEMS WITHIN       NATIONAL INFRASTRUCTURE ETC

                                  LINKS
                       Met Office - Heatwave alerts
                    Met Office U.V forecast
           U.K Government - heatwave planning 
           WHO - Information for public heatwaves
                          HEAT HEALTH

                         Fitzpatrick Scale

    

                           
ALLOW 30 MINUTES AFTER APPLYING SUN SCREEN BEFORE VENTURING OUT 
                 

   
                                 LINKS
                        Cope with the heat
                        Stay safe in the sun 
                   Dealing with extreme heat 
                     Stay cool in hot weather
                             Sun protection
                           Staying hydrated
                                    U.V

 Kids UVC Exposure bracelet, cheap from Ebay.                                

                        LINK - Cancer and sun


                               ANIMALS

              Link - Heatstroke in dogs and cats  

Have a planned response to an extreme heat event, ensure you know who is more at risk, whilst we cannot change the course of the heatwave applying some adaption and resilience we can make a difference to our well being and indeed making things a little more comfortable.            

SOME MEDICATIONS BOTH PRESCRIBED AND OVER COUNTER CAN MAKE A PERSON MORE SENSITIVE TO SUNLIGHT 

                                    HUMIDITY

Humidity is the amount of water vapour held within the air, if the air is hot and water is present high humidity can occur.
           ______________ 
    
RELATIVE HUMIDITY - How 'full' the air is of water
THERMAL HUMIDITY - How long before the air becomes fully saturated (100%relative)
SPECIFIC HUMIDITY - The actual weight of water vapour within the air per kilogram
          ______________

The danger concerning humidity is when it is present during high temperature, high humidity and heat combined although does not stop us sweating but it does slow the sweat from evaporating as fast as it should in order to cool us.
 IF YOU BEGIN FEELING FATIGUED
 REST TAKE FLUIDS AND COOL OFF

Having a lower humidity is a main working factor concerning African zeer pot coolers and charcoal fridges, as the humidity climbs they become less effective so you will only find them in dryer regions.      

A basic hydrometer can be purchased cheaply, many have a combined thermometer.

 Most simple desktop weather stations will have a hydrometer too.                

 Lowering extreme humidity at home ? Using a dehumidifier could address this problem but remember it is an electrical appliance which in turn will produce some heat in itself, you should have a hydrometer in place to monitor the air and remember to keep the doors and windows closed in the room, probably a bedroom,  you select. Remember water you extract can be put to good use, into your rain butt, direct to your garden etc.

                     Using dehumidifier water
                        Using a dehumidifier
Have at least a basic thermometer to check the heat and remember some are more susceptible from it's effects than others including the very young, the elderly and those suffering from some health conditions.

                                FIRST AID

                             LINKS
                            Heat exhaustion
                                Heatstroke
                        Heat related illnesses
                             Hyponatremia
                                  Sunburn

   

                         

                               THE VEHICLE

Whilst water carry is part of a basic car kit additional water should be included for a longer journey during extreme heat. Always carry more than your requirements especially if your route takes you off the beaten track, this should extend to fuel too.

For shorter journeys consider a thermos flask or two of iced water, you may not encounter serious mishap on a shorter journey but you can make it more comfortable

Basic car fans are useful, especially if you have faulty air conditioning or indeed the vehicle doesn't have 

Remember you can use a little fan without the engine running or from your portable 12 volt supply unit if you have. You will be thankful for that cheap car fan if you are broken down and awaiting rescue in the heat, ensure it has enough lead, or carry some, to reach an out of vehicle shelter if you do not have a separate 12 volt supply

Transpiration bags, or the DIY method with polythene are a good method to extract water from green plants or trees in a survival situation finding yourself stuck

                                                                                                                                                                                         STOCK IMAGE

A flax water bag can give you a cooled water supply whilst the vehicle is in motion

A basic large white sheet is worth adding, it can be used to keep a dark colour car cooler if you park up or if your stuck as opposed to it absorbing the suns rays, if the area is high risk and it's safer in or close by than out for a time or your keeping the interior cooler to sleep in later. Basic clips will hold in place after draping over the roof / windows. If you find yourself far from shade, or you may need to seek sudden refuge in your vehicle for reasons of safety, such as something wanting to eat you, make a shaded area in the same manner but with it coming away from the vehicle, a make shift awning, same can be said with your tarp which can now be applied elsewhere

YOU SHOULD HAVE A PLAN AND ROUTE IN PLACE THAT HAS BEEN GIVEN TO A RESPONSIBLE PERSON AND THAT THEY HAVE A ROUGH IDEA OF YOUR ARRIVAL. IT IS BETTER TO REMAIN WITH THE VEHICLE RATHER THAN GO WONDERING AROUND THE BUSH AND END UP GETTING EATEN OR LOST, OR LOST AND EATEN :)

Another good use for a sheet is a background for a surface to air rescue marker. Carry a can of spray paint (you could use rocks or branches etc) for marking it for a static air rescue visual. A cut sheet to provide an emergency clothing/poncho/ thawb should the need be to venture be absolutely necessary or in order to forage etc.
Remember the trusty foil reflective windshield cover, your survival blankets and survival tent from your standard car kit can all be put to good use both day and night, especially in desert climes, worth an add to the kit if not already

                                        

LINK - Cycling in hot weather

                                                                                                    EMERGENCY RESCUE
     A few last ditch methods in seeking rescue
                     GROUND TO AIR STATIC SIGNALS

                               SIGNAL MIRROR      

                       Makeshift tin mirror

Whilst any reflective surface or indeed mirror can be used as a makeshift signal aiming your flash is important. 
                                 FLARES

LEAVE YOUR BONNET UP INDICATES YOU  HAVE GROUND TO A HALT AS OPPOSED   TO PARKED UP HAVING A PICNIC                         
                                     LINKS
                           African overland kit
                                  Gravel roads
                                 Eye protection
                         Dusk and dawn driving
                                  Sand driving
                               Car cooling system

       

                  AT HOME

Close any open windows in the morning and draw curtains/blinds on sun facing windows, you can open again in the evening when cooler.

Turn off anything electrical not in use, any major heat producing appliances use in the evening, apart from the heat being able to dissipate quicker during a cooler evening you will not get so hot doing the task.

Front and back door open or gapped we find one of the best allowing a breeze through but only if your outer perimeter is secure or perhaps use a door guard (not a chain)

Air conditioning not being particulary cost effective or practical in U.K, you could perhaps consider a portable version.

The trusty fan. Provided you are either in front or under them, huge range for all budgets.

Mist your sheets before you get into bed.

Open your loft hatch. 
                         LINKS    
                             Ways to keep your home cool 
                              Keep cool and save power
                          Cooling your greenhouse

Window film is another option for sun facing windows, short term white washing could always be considered

http://www.sunscreenwindowfilms.co.uk/home-window-film/domestic-solar-heat-reduction-film/

Want your windows open but want to keep critters either in or out ? Wire mesh the top windows you are likely to use, hinge them on plastic coated cup hooks, a single cup hook (twist lock/unlock) or cut a handle gap, although we don't get the 'monkey house invasion' in the U.K this idea, although not for home security, may be of use 

CLOTHING

Womans safari clothing

Safari clothing advice 

Safari clothing

                                                                                                                                                                          AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE

                                                                                                                                                                                              AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE

CAPS

South African Police caps with a nape drop

Any cap will give some protection

EYE PROTECTION

Eye wear be it glasses (standard, prescription or clip on) or if needs require some googles

Do not forget the kids

Link - Buying sunglasses

                A FEW TIPS  
                        

                                 Ceiling fan

                         

                         

A tray of ice cubes placed in front of your fan is another idea

                                                                               

Opening your loft hatch can help the heat dissipate but
remember fire safety and close before bedtime

                                                                                   
   REMEMBER HAVING THE CORRECT   INSULATION HELPS KEEP HOMES COOLER  IN SUMMER WHILST WARMER IN WINTER

         Stay sun safe and enjoy
                           the summer !                                                         Mel & Kerry

                    

                                                   Solar Cooking

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