Hot Weather Preparedness
Cape Cod is known for it’s abundance of summer activities. Typically, the weather on Cape Cod is fairly mild. The hottest month is usually July, with an average high of 79 and an average low of 63. Despite these mild averages the weather can get up to the 90s on the hottest days. It is vital to be aware of the many hidden dangers associated with hot weather. On days of extreme heat follow the preparedness precautions outlined by Ready.gov. Stay informed by local heat safety by visiting the OSHA heat safety resources page. Download the OSHA Heat Safety Tool App for your smartphone.. Be sure to check Cape Cod Weather daily to stay prepared.
HEALTH HAZARDS: Heat stroke and heat exhaustion are the two most common illnesses from hot summer days and are often confused with one another, however one is much more dangerous than the other making it essential to fully understands the signs and symptoms. The CDC recommends identifying and responding in the following way:
Heat Exhaustion:
- Heavy sweating
- Weakness
- Cold, pale, and clammy skin
- Fast, weak pulse
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fainting
What You Should Do:
- Move to a cooler location.
- Lie down and loosen your clothing.
- Apply cool, wet cloths to as much of your body as possible.
- Sip water.
- If you have vomited and it continues, seek medical attention immediately.
Heat Stroke:
- High body temperature (above 103°F)*
- Hot, red, dry or moist skin
- Rapid and strong pulse
- Possible unconsciousness
- What You Should Do:
- Call 911 immediately — this is a medical emergency.
- Move the person to a cooler environment.
- Reduce the person’s body temperature with cool cloths or even a bath.
- Do NOT give fluids.
SUN EXPOSURE: The CDC recommends regular sunscreen use to protect skin from harmful exposure. Apply sunscreen liberally at least 20 minutes before exposure and reapply sunscreen a minimum of every 2 hours or every time a person gets out of the water. Being informed is the best way to ensure proper usage of sunscreen and allow for protection against skin cancer.
HOT WEATHER PREPAREDNESS RESOURCES: The CDC offers some useful tips to Keep Your Cool in Hot Weather. These include careful consideration for age, air conditioning, strenuous outdoor activity, and hydration.
BEACH HAZARDS: Before traveling to the beach, use forecast options such as Surf Zone Forecast to check the local rip current outlook for the day.
EDUCATION: For those interested in gaining further education of the topic, the CDC provides a free course on Recognizing, Preventing and Treating Heat-Related Illness.