Extreme Heat in Myrtle Beach is Dangerous
Sadly, climate change is real, and extreme weather is becoming all too familiar. Summer temperatures are climbing all across the world. Climate change in South Carolina has many negative effects on our health, agriculture, the economy, and the environment. Extreme heat warnings recommend staying indoors during peak sunlight. It’s not uncommon for folks on the Grand Strand to venture outdoors during the early morning and evenings, spending the middle of the day safely indoors.
During the worst weeks of the summer, smartphones and local news are abuzz with extreme heat advisories. Extreme heat is especially dangerous for the very young and elderly, as well as those who are pregnant. It can lead to heat stroke, dehydration, and in some cases, death. Symptoms can include dizziness, nausea, fainting, rapid pulse, muscle cramps, and fatigue.
Heat Stroke Can Lead to Death
If proper measures aren’t taken to stay safe, extreme heat can lead to death. According to the CDC, 658 individuals succumb to extreme heat each year, and over 90% of those cases are between the months of May and September.
Extreme heat is serious. So please take care to listen to weather alert warnings, and take precautions to keep children and seniors safe, cool, and hydrated.
Tips for Staying Safe in Extreme Heat
Extreme heat at the beach is no fun. Even though summer on the Grand Strand is a fun time to be outside and in the water, try to do indoor activities in cool or air-conditioned spaces until late afternoon or evening.
Here’s how you can stay safe and as cool as possible until a Myrtle Beach extreme heat wave breaks:
- Stay indoors during the hottest part of the day (10AM-4PM)
- Keep blinds and curtains shut (consider blackout curtains)
- Use sunscreen and wear a hat if you go outdoors
- Drink water (even if you’re not thirsty–you’ll need to make up for water loss from sweat)
- Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can make dehydration worse
- Never leave children or pets in a hot vehicle
During a heatwave, make it a priority to check on neighbors, friends, and family. If you are concerned about a heat-related illness or health issue go to a designated public shelter (especially if you do not have AC)
- Text SHELTER + your ZIP code to 43362 (4FEMA) to find the nearest shelter in your area (example: shelter 12345) and listen to your local officials for shelter locations.
A Standby Generator Keeps the AC On
Air-conditioning isn’t just a creature comfort. It is a necessity in extreme weather. If the power goes out during a heat wave, you may find yourself scrambling to find a spot with AC to hide out until utility power is restored.
If you have a standby generator, you probably won’t even notice that the AC was off for a split second. That’s because a residential generator automatically detects power disruption and converts your whole home to generated power.
If you’d like to learn more about the benefits of home generators, get in touch!
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