Summer Safety Tips in Phoenix

There is no question that summers are hot in Phoenix. Miserable, even. Temperatures routinely climb into the 100s, and although there is less humidity than in the gulf states, the dry heat can be suffocating. So how can you get outside and enjoy all the activities Phoenix has to offer without risking your health?

Carry Liquids

Water is a good idea during summer in Phoenix, but liquids with electrolytes are better. They restore the body's potassium balance, reducing the risk of dehydration, and they are easy to find. You can purchase sport drinks if you prefer, or you can make them at home using water, sugar, potassium, and salt.

A big, hefty thermos isn't always convenient, of course, especially since it increases the weight you're carrying and therefore your work load. If you'll be hiking, biking, or engaging in some other transient activity, consider purchasing a hydration pack that you can strap to your shoulders like a backpack. This will distribute the weight and allow you to carry more liquid.

Cover Up

The sun is both a blessing and a curse during summer in Phoenix. It might feel good on your skin for the first fifteen minutes or so, but it quickly becomes uncomfortable. To avoid sunburn, it is important to apply sunscreen liberally over all areas of your body and to cover skin you don't want exposed to the sun.

Many Phoenix residents wear long sleeves and long pants made of breathable fabric, such as linen. This protects your skin from the sun's harmful rays, but it won't suffocate you. If you do wear cropped pants or shorts, or tank tops, apply sunscreen every few hours and step into the shade as often as possible.

Remember that Phoenix is a sandy place to live, which means that hiking exposes you to sun more than in other parts of the world. The sunlight reflects off the sand, so make sure you're taking regular breaks to cool off.

Park in the Shade

When you pull into a parking lot, or even into your own driveway, try to position your vehicle under a tree or other overhang. Summers in Phoenix can heat up the inside of a car within seconds of turning off the A/C, and getting back in can be miserable.

Use reflective sheets on your windshield and consider covering up the metal parts of the seatbelt when you get out of the car. If your car has leather upholstery, long pants are preferred, or you can drape a towel over the seats so your skin doesn't come into contact with the scorching leather. A cloth steering-wheel cover is also handy.

Bring an Ice Pack

One of the best ways to cool your body down during a hot summer in Phoenix is to place a cold cloth or an ice back over the back of your neck or over your wrists. This cools down the major arteries that run through those areas, transporting the coolness to the rest of your body. It's a handy way to stave off heatstroke.

An ice pack is also helpful for keeping liquids cold in bottles or for maintaining the correct temperature for snacks you bring out and about. Try soft icepacks that can be molded around body parts, beverages, or food, for maximum effectiveness.

Acclimate Yourself

When Phoenix summers start revving up, don't head outside immediately for a six-hour hike. Give your body a chance to acclimate itself to the hotter temperatures. This technique should be observed all through the summer. In other words, start slow and work yourself up.

Walk around an outdoor mall, for example, taking regular trips into air-conditioned stores to cool down before heading back out. Or spend time in your yard in fifteen-, thirty-, and sixty-minute increments.

Practice Moderation

Heavy meals, excess alcohol, and even filling your stomach with too much water can make summers in Phoenix much more difficult. Practice everything in moderation so your body has an easier time dealing with the heat. Eat smaller meals throughout the day, for example, and sip water rather than gulping it.

Summers in Phoenix are a lot to take, particularly if you are used to a cooler climate. Remember that everyone has difficulty in the summer, so don't try to over-exert yourself unless you're sure your body can handle it.

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Avoiding Heat Illness in Phoenix