It’s tempting to stay inside when the temperature’s high, but yard work waits for no (wo)man! The world has been facing a lot of serious heat waves this summer, and it’s important to take proper precautions when getting work done outside. Here’s how to beat the heat this summer while working outdoors.
Stay Hydrated
If you remember one thing from this post, remember this: HYDRATE! Higher temperatures paired with hard work is a recipe for using up your body’s energy and water stores. Keep a reusable water bottle with ice by your side and take a drink every fifteen minutes or so. Don’t compromise on this part– refill your bottle whenever it gets close to empty and set a timer if you need to. Remember to take breaks and evaluate how you feel. Watch out for symptoms of heat exhaustion, including headaches, cramps, dizziness, rapid breathing or pulse, nausea, and a loss of appetite. Get yourself into the shade on breaks and try to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables with high water content.
Pay Attention to the Time
Steer clear of early afternoon! There’s a reason some countries have a regular siesta at midday. Aim to work in the early mornings and evenings only. The good thing about summer is that the days are longer, affording you daylight to work by even as the temperature drops. If you’ve been working for several hours straight, it’s time to take a break. Don’t try and power though– be safe and come back for a fresh start at a better time.
Keep Cool
Wear loose clothing in light colors and make sure to keep up with the sunscreen. Consider spritzing your clothes with cool or room temperature water and do the same with a dish towel, using the latter on the back of your neck when you need to cool off. Take coldbsp;showers rather than warm ones and increase the air flow within your home wherever possible. Again, if the humidity count is high, hydration is more important than ever. Water is your best friend when it’s hot! The more you sweat, the more water intake you need. Skip the soda and try using electrolyte hydration powder packs in your water bottle. Use ice packs on the sensitive skin under your eyes and on the back of your neck for extra heat relief.
We hope these tips help you beat the heat this summer!
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Peak Power Wash has been offering power washing services to the Carroll, Baltimore, Howard, and Frederick County areas of Maryland (as well as York and Adams counties of Pennsylvania) since 1998. We are a family-owned-and-operated business based in Westminster, Maryland that prides itself in quality workmanship and customer satisfaction above all else. If it’s time for your home’s exterior to get a good cleaning, give us a call at 336-717-WASH (5959) or fill out our quick online form here for a free estimate. We look forward to working with you!