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Heat stricken citizens get used to new norms, coping strategies

todayJuly 21, 2023 18

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It’s hard to deny that many areas of the mainland U.S. is suffering from one of the most intense heat waves in recent times. However, while extreme weather conditions are more likely to remain the norm from here on out, it’s true that citizens are using all methods they can to contend with the weather.

Some of these solutions require investment. Perhaps some make use of enhanced sun exposure. Some have calibrated jury-rigged solutions that help take the edge off this normalized set of weather conditions. In this post, we’ll explore some of the more effective, intelligent, and practical.

This way, if you’re currently outside of the heatwave but may be likely to experience it in the future, then you’ll be armed with the knowledge you need to move forward with confidence.

Cooling centers to beat the heat

Many public centers with reliable AC units have been opening their doors for community engagement. This is similar to how many saw the “warm places” initiative in the depths of winter for those struggling with increased energy bills in countries like the United Kingdom.

Community organizers and activists have been bringing vulnerable locals together to manage the extreme heat within environments that were being cooled anyway. This relates to public buildings, community areas, charitable houses, and leisure centers or community center spaces.

Ventilation and closed windows

More citizens are investing in HVAC implements to ensure that good airflow carries throughout buildings so indoor spaces become easier and more pleasant to occupy. In addition, residents are closing windows when inside to prevent the hot air from coming into their homes.

While it may seem like basic logic to open the windows as wide as possible in the middle of a heat wave, it’s much easier to ventilate the internal air through the correct residential infrastructure and condition that then it is to allow warm air to come in and subvert all of that progress.

This uncommon wisdom is being applied by more residents concerned with squeezing out the most comfort within their space. In some cases, basic implements such as installing fans throughout a property to help with ventilation is also helpful.

Some are evening positioning their fans in front of open freezer doors to blast cold air throughout the property, or even using large frozen bottles of water purposefully placed in front of fans to achieve the same result.

Weight loss

It’s true that losing weight in response to an active heatwave is hardly the best solution. However, extraneous fat takes time to lose and exercising in a heatwave is very inadvisable. Many local public health authorities are investing in weight loss drives around the year as a response to increased weather extremes.

While a little extra paunch can be very helpful during the colder weather, it’s not so for summer. Fat acts as an insulating layer which can make it harder for your body to feel the effects of sweat and regulate its temperature more effectively.

As such, more local authorities are promoting weight loss programs that are sustainable and community-led. This ensures that fewer people suffer from conditions like heatstroke year-round. This is not a judgment on personal lifestyle choices, but rather a practical and needed means of addressing a multi-faceted problem.

Community engagement drives

There’s nothing that brings a community together like withstanding extreme conditions. New initiatives for checking in with elderly relatives, donating to bottled water provisions, opening public pools, and donating clothes to families that really need it have helped bring small communities together.

Community engagement drives are also geared to sustain local well-being and to integrate with other charitable services, such as homeless shelters looking to help those who reside on the streets from suffering the worst of the sweltering heat. With this comes education to give educational provisions to children and young families that may not be familiar in contending with such heat.

NGOs designed to assist certain impoverished communities have also been advising on policies for future heatwaves, identifying at-risk demographics, and making recommendations based on how certain areas have handled the brunt of the heat.

heat

Employment law and unions

Working within extreme heat can put certain professionals at real risk. We’re seeing increased pushback to working with added provisions. Some unions are even discussing fighting for stay-at-home provisions during certain extreme provisions where they’re not already codified into employment law.

A delicate balance is needed as public services and essential utilities keep society running. They also commit to the public good in helping residents access the services they need to contend with the heatwave. For example, if you’re to open a public pool then it needs to be staffed with lifeguards and those able to manage themselves in the heat while the community accesses that resource.

Questions about pay, working provisions, and even union activism are going to be a common consideration going forward. Even if these are hard-won, the questions need to be asked and the resolutions proposed. After all, it seems this problem will continue year-on-year.

Cooling products flee the shelves

Retailers are seeing massive upticks in the sales of fans, air purifiers, home air conditioning units, and ice coolers. 

It’s important to make sure you have what you need but also be aware of price gouging. This may include online shopping vendors artificially declaring sales on items that have barely reduced in value. Moreover, many residents are stocking up on long-life, canned and tinned foods as well as frozen storage options so as to prevent continual visits to the grocers or wholesalers.

This can help reduce time out in the heat, behind the wheel of a hot car, or being stuck in traffic. It’s good to make sure you’re not taken advantage of at this time. Stick to retailers you trust and try to buy in bulk whenever feasible.

Extreme heat and car public safety instructions

It’s unfortunate, but hot car deaths in infants and pets are still very much a pressing statistic. There’s nothing more important than public awareness drives that ensure drivers know of their responsibilities.

In some hot weather, it’s acceptable to leave a dog in the car with the window open enough for ventilation. However, in some weather conditions, like those we’re experiencing now, no amount of open windows is going to lead to an ethical internal temperature.

It’s essential to make sure even a quick walk into the store while your child is in the backseat is never something you chance. Even occupying a hot car in heatwaves, with the chance of traffic and other road issues, is a risk rarely worth taking. As such, delaying travel arrangements or only making them when necessary is key.

Home upgrades and infrastructure

Contractors are reporting further home upgrades and infrastructure measures undertaken to satisfy client requests. This includes the common installation of carports, window shutters,, water features, and pools. The applies to irrigation systems to keep gardens watered.

In some cases, full-scale drive reinstallations can prevent certain materials from melting and potentially damaging wider households. 

Moreover, heatwaves often mean sun exposure and clear skies. As a result, this improves the potential investment opportunity for those looking to install solar panels. As renewable technologies become easier to install and improve in terms of their maximum yield offered, even lower-income households, making use of certain government subsidies, are looking to enact these new provisions.

We can expect this trend to continue. While restorative installations in the midst of heatwaves may offer some respite, many of them need to be prepared. This is especially true when the weather is cooler for work to be completed. As such, contractors are finding that their shift and work patterns are less restrictive than they may have been prior.

HVAC systems and heat emergency installations

Air conditioning is becoming not only a luxurious addition. It has also become an absolute necessity in many households and businesses affected by the warmer weather. As contractors use HVAC software to manage clients, offer warranties, and complete jobs, it’s essential for clients to book in advance. That break could result in significant delays should they wish to be provided for before the next heatwave arrives.

Remember that HVAC systems can also heat. While that may sound unconscionable, it also means installing such a utility into a household year-round. As a result, it is no longer a silly proposition.

What can be surmised from all of this?

Well, communities pull together in times of need. They aren’t afraid to make better decisions to hem the tide of more difficult and intensive weather effects in the future. This is a negotiation we’ll see more and more citizens all over the world trying to make.

American citizens suffering through this current heatwave are often a credit to themselves and the communities they support. In trying times, it’s important to remember that and benefit as a result.

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Partner Contributor
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