How to beat a heat wave

This summer is already off to a sweltering start, with Earth recording four record-breaking days of heat in early July. Heatwaves have already become a staple of our summers, but they’re set to get more frequent and intense. A heatwave is defined as an extended period of time of abnormally high temperatures, usually above 90 degrees Fahrenheit. They occur when a system of high atmospheric pressure moves over an area and pulls hot air down. The system prevents wind and clouds from moving in and granting relief, so the area heats up even more. It eventually falls apart or is pushed away by high winds, but that can take several days. Climate change is making matters worse, creating more frequent, intense and longer heatwaves. In the years 2000 to 2016, 125 million more people were exposed to heat waves. How do they affect people?The human body is constantly monitoring our temperature and keeping it in a delicate range from between 97-99 degrees Fahrenheit. When it gets too hot, the whole body works hard to lower the temperature. The heart works especially hard to pump warm blood to the surface of the body to cool down. This can be taxing for those with heart problems and can eventually result in heart stroke, heat exhaustion, and even organ failure and death. Unfortunately, it doesn’t affect everybody equally, but it disproportionately challenges older people, those with preexisting conditions and Black people. Heat waves aren’t just deadly for people, but they can buckle infrastructure. The heat can damage power lines, making them less efficient and potentially causing blackouts. It can also cripple agriculture and livestock, creating food supply shortages.How to beat the heatBefore a heat wave comes into your area, you can prepare yourself:Identify cool areas in your neighborhood where you can spend time, like a mall or library.Cover your windows with curtains and drapesInvest in an AC if possible, or look into potential funding to help.When the heat arrives, follow this advice:Take it easy and don’t overexert yourselfOnly go outside in the morning and evening in the coolest parts of the day Stay hydratedWhen outside seek out shadeWear loose, lightweight clothingTake cool showersLearn to recognize the signs of heat illness. In heat stroke, there’s confusion, nausea and headaches. In heat exhaustion, there’s excessive sweating, clammy skin and weaknessHow can we prevent heat waves?While climate change is set to make heat waves worse, there are some solutions to making heat waves more manageable.Local governments can provide access to cooling centers for residents who do not have access to cool spaces. Investing in planting trees in urban areas can help improve shade and decrease the urban heat island effect. Cool pavements and smart infrastructure can also help increase reflectivity and reduce heat. Ultimately, the reduction in burning fossil fuels will be the only true solution to preventing heat waves.