Anything that makes us sweat is worth repeating, right?
We've had our share of 100-degree days already but the State Highway Administration (SHA) and BGE both issued news releases yesterday in preparation for another heat wave.
First, here's what SHA recommends for drivers.
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- Make sure your motor oil, antifreeze and windshield wiper fluid are all topped off and clean.
- Park in shady areas when possible, and never, never ever (never, never ever!!) leave a living being inside the car, whether it's canine or human.
- Leave the doors and windows open for a few moments, when re-entering your car, to give the heat a chance to escape. Give the air conditioning a couple of minutes to be effective.
- Drink plenty of water during long road trips.
- Fill your gas tank in the evening, or early morning (or heck, if the station is open and safe, in the middle of the night), when the day has cooled.
Lucky for us, the SHA plans to be ready to save us, in case we break down on the road.
"During excessive heat days," stated the department's news release, "SHA crews on the road are extra vigilant to spot stranded motorists and assist in any way possible."
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The SHA also recommends ride-sharing and using public transportation. Not being so reliant on our individual cars will help reduce fuel consumption, vehicle emissions and congested traffic.
Next, here's what BGE has to say.
"The utility expects to have sufficient electric supply to meet anticipated demand, but encourages customers, as it does with approaching storms, to take the time now to prepare and consider ways to conserve energy," stated the news release.
Closing curtains and blinds, and waiting until after 9 p.m. to use ovens, dishwashers and dryers are ways BGE recommends to conserve energy.
BGE does not anticipate having to utilize the PeakRewards cycling practice to meet the demand, but the utility company cautions that "unforeseen operating conditions could warrant activation of the program."
That sums it up. Should we say it one more time?
It's going to be hot today.
