There are certain things that smart people do (or don't do) when the temperature rises over 100 degrees. Those of us who have lived in Phoenix for a while understand this. Those of you who are new to Phoenix, take our advice!
Difficulty: Average
Time Required: Varies
Here's How:
- Do not leave chocolate, dairy products, fresh flowers or fish in the car.
- Do not lie in the sun and fall asleep.
- Do not leave children or pets in your car. Not even for a minute. Not even with the window cracked open.
- Do not walk your dog on pavement after the sun has been heating it up. The pads of his/her feet will burn.
- Do not walk outside in bare feet. See number(4)above.
- Do not use your oven and create more heat in your house. Use the barbecue or microwave.
- Do not do strenuous work outside in the heat alone.
- Do not travel with your dog in the back of your flatbed truck. The floor heats up fast, especially if it is metal, and the dog cannot escape it.
- Do not leave compact discs on the seat or dash of the car.
- Do not turn off the air conditioner in the house while you are at work if you have pets in the house.
- Do not constantly turn the air conditioner on and off. Keep your house at a somewhat constant temperature.
- Do not touch metal, or even dark plastic, car door handles, ignition switches, steering wheels, keys or stick shifts. Keep a small towel handy so you don't burn yourself.
- Do not play sports outside without drinking plenty of water constantly.
- Do check your car's battery often and make sure that water levels are adequate.
Tips:
- The temperature inside a closed vehicle that has been sitting in our hot sun can reach over 200 degrees in a very short time. Please take the warnings about children and pets very seriously.
- People who fall asleep in the sun, or who spend a great deal of time outdoors, run the risk of serious burns.
- If you have to park your car outside, try to find covered parking.
- Sign up for the About Phoenix Desert Heat E-Course, and learn more about coping with heat in the desert. It's free!
