Navigating Heat Waves and Summer Storms: Safety Tips for Families

Summer is often a happy season beloved for its vacation days, outdoor activities, and sun-soaked days. However, the season also brings significant safety risks, such as heat waves and summer storms. Ensuring your family's safety during these extreme weather events is crucial. Here are some essential tips to help you navigate heat waves and summer storms effectively.

Preparing for Heat Waves

• Stay hydrated: Dehydration is a common issue during heat waves. Make sure everyone in the family drinks plenty of water throughout the day. Avoid caffeinated and sugary drinks, which can contribute to dehydration.

• Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, and light-colored clothing. Hats and sunglasses can protect you from direct sunlight.

• Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day, typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Plan outdoor activities for early morning or late evening when temperatures are cooler.

• Use sunscreen: Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to all exposed skin, even on cloudy days. Reapply every two hours and after swimming or sweating.

• Create a cool environment: Use fans, air conditioning, and cool showers to lower your body temperature. If your home does not have air conditioning, visit public places like malls, libraries, or community centers that are air-conditioned.

Staying Safe Through Summer Storms

• Stay informed: Keep an eye on weather forecasts and alerts. A weather radio or smartphone app can provide real-time updates.

• Secure outdoor items: High winds can turn outdoor furniture, toys, and other items into dangerous projectiles. Secure or bring them indoors before a storm hits.

• Create an emergency kit: Assemble an emergency kit with essentials like water, non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, a first-aid kit, and important documents. Keep the kit in an easily accessible location.

• Develop a family emergency plan: Establish a plan that includes meeting points, emergency contacts, and evacuation routes. Ensure all family members are familiar with the plan.

• Stay indoors during storms: Avoid windows and stay in a central part of your home. If a severe storm is approaching, take shelter in a basement or an interior room without windows.

With these tips, your family can stay safe through extreme weather in the summertime.

Catholic Charities Terre Haute is dedicated to supporting families through various programs that promote safety and well-being. From Ryves Youth Center to our Terre Haute Catholic Charities Foodbank, we are here to help our community thrive. Learn more about our vital support and assistance.

At Catholic Charities, we provide help and create hope by nourishing the minds, bodies, and spirits of children, families, adults, and seniors. By collaborating with community partners, we provide nutritious food, safe shelter, quality youth programming, and essential personal and household needs to our neighbors. Donate today to support meaningful community change!