Safety Tips for Savannah's Heat Wave

by Bernard S. Robinson

Savannah and most of the country has experienced record breaking temperatures so early in the Summer.  The coastal empire especially has high temperatures not only because of the heat, but the humidity makes it often times unbearable.  The heat index makes it feel as though it is 110 degrees in Savannah which is very dangerous for everyone, but especially for those asthmatics, elderly and other breathing conditions.  Saber just wants to provide the Savannah community and surrounding coastal areas with heat safety tips to stay safe.

Heat Wave Safety Tips:
1. Drink plenty of fluids - If you are involved in heavy exercise, drink 2-4 glasses each hour.  Avoid alcohol or cold beverages to prevent stomach cramps.  These types of drinks can cause you to lose more fluid.

2. Wear sunscreen outside -If you're outside for long periods of time, use sunscreen to prevent sun burns.  SPF 15 or higher is better.

3. Dress cool - Wear light clothes when at home or outside. Your clothes should be light-weight, loose-fitting and light color to keep cool.

4. Avoid strenuous exercise - Unless you are an athlete, try to reduce your activities. If you must exercise, then choose the coolest time of the day to reduce muscle spasms, stomach cramps and more.  If you feel dizzy, light-headed, nausea, headache or heart rate up, then you should slow down, get in a cool area and have someone call 9-1-1.

5. Replace your salt and minerals - When you sweat, you loose salt and minerals that your body needs so you need to replace them by drinking sports beverages or work with your doctor to see what is best for you.  Don't take salt table unless instructed by your doctor.

6. Buddy Up - Always walk or travel with someone in case there is an emergency, then that person can call 9-1-1 or if your friend is in need of help, you're there to help him/her.

7. Check on those most at risk - The elderly, kids and pets are more vulnerable during these times.  You should check on them regularly to ensure their body temperatures are normal.  Often times, they do not realize that they are overheated, so it's always best to have frequent watch over them.

8. Take frequent breaks - If your job is working outside, take frequent breaks and hydrate. Heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke which is very dangerous and can be fatal.

9. Eat small meals and more often - When your body breaks down the food, it creates metabolic heat. The bigger the meal, the more the metabolic heat.

10.  Call 9-1-1 in emergency - If you are ever unsure about how you feel or how someone else feels, your safest bet is to always call 9-1-1.  Emergency response teams always have the best trained people and latest equipment to manage emergencies while they get you to the hospital.


These safety tips is just preventive measures to help educate the community in being safe during the summer and in this incredible heat.  Saber is part of the Savannah family and always pass along information that will help everyone Stay Safe!


Contributing Author Profile:
Bernard S. Robinson is Managing Director and Principal Consultant of RSC (Robinson Security Consultancy).  He has partnered with Saber since its infancy and continues to provide security and safety advice to Saber and global clients.  Bernard blogs about safety, security, industry alerts and practices.