Beating the Marietta Heat

The hottest temperatures of the year thus far inconveniently coincide with the Fourth of July weekend, so Marietta residents should become aware of the issues involving the heat and being out in the sun for extended periods of time.

In related news, the Food and Drug Administration last week announced tough new rules involving sunscreen designed to help consumers understand its use against sunburns, skin cancer and other effects of sun exposure.

These long-awaited requirements will require all sunscreens to undergo FDA testing to determine whether they protect against both ultraviolet A and ultraviolet B rays from sunlight. Those that pass both tests can be labeled as “Broad Spectrum.”  The requirements also forbid the labeling of sunscreen products with “sunblock,” “waterproof” or “sweatproof.”

More details are available at this FDA site.

But Mariettans cannot depend on sunscreen alone.

The recently posted a list of precautions to take when it comes to outside activities in the heat (and even a few ideas for beating the heat indoors). The department makes a particular note to keep an eye out for elderly residents and small children, who are more prone to heat stress and possibly less aware.

The police recommend that you:
Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, about eight to 10 cups per day; avoid alcohol, caffeine and sugary drinks.

Get out of the heat when possible: Stay indoors where it is air-conditioned or visit somewhere where it is air-conditioned

Limit activities: Limit outdoor activities to early mornings or later in the evenings when it tends to be cooler

Seek shade: If outdoors, spend most of the time in the shade and out of the direct sun

Use fans: Use fans indoors to circulate the air. Using fans in conjunction with air conditioning makes you feel cooler. Use fans after dark when the temperature drops to bring in cooler air indoors

Stay cool: Use a refrigerated spray bottle to mist yourself to stay cool or take a cool bath to cool the body temperature

The Marietta Police also noted that anyone who finds themselves stranded on the roadway should call for assistance—and that does justify a 911 call, they said—immediately in order to remove themselves from the exposure of the heat.