HOT & dangerous

[digitS']

It's 100°f!

Yesterday afternoon, it was 102°! Right now, I'm watching the wind toss the tree branches about with 20mph wind gusts.

The fire department had to put out a fire not too far from here, yesterday. At least, I hope it's out! I noticed that there was a helicopter over the area repeatedly when I drove by and back a few hours later. I wonder how much it has cost taxpayers to deal with what was reported as a 2 acre fire ...

One problem is location. There are residences on all sides but, I believe, that the fire was on park land. I wasn't in the area on the 4th but I'm sure that it was packed with people, mostly along the river. Cause of fire? I wonder if it will ever be determined. However, it's easy to take a guess based on the the government's wildfire statistics:


Since there was no lightning in the area since the storm on 26 June, I think we can narrow it down quite a bit from that.

Steve

 

[Collector]

Yesterday was hot I was working on a city street and about 4:30 pm I started getting dizzy and a few minutes later fainted and came out of it on the ground. Coworker helped me to the shade and got some water to me. It took about 10 mins to feel good enuf to get back up lucky it was quiting time. After getting home and shower and drinking water I felt way better. DW looked online said it sounds like heat exhaustion and take more breaks lol ok. That has never happened in 30 plus years working outdoors kind of odd feeling, was fine at work today though no problems. Hope this never happens again.
P.S it was hot again today but the breeze made it feel cooler thankfully.

 

[digitS']

O BOY! @Collector . Avoid that heat stress.

Yes, the cooling effect of wind but, keep in mind that it is dehydrating. We only have 14% humidity right now. Fluids must be moving out of our bodies like out of a wet terrycloth bathrobe hung out on the clothesline! With heat stress the big problem, I guess, is body temperature moving much above normal and high humidity must really contribute to that risk. At least we don't have much going on with high humidity.

Dehydration: I drink at least one Gatorade each day during the summer and will easily step that up to three. I'm not trying to sell the product; it's just that I'm not a lover of our local well water and Gatorade has become part of my alternatives. Hot drinks still play an important part in my day, year around.

Steve

 

[thistlebloom]

@Collector , glad you're feeling better today! I notice now that I'm over the hill that I don't handle heat as well as I used to. Used to be I could work all day in the blazing sun and have no ill effects. These days, even when I'm well hydrated I start getting a little nauseous after about 3 hours. A short break in the shade and more water helps, but I try not to push myself so much anymore.

 

[Collector]

It was very strange feeling for sure, I took more breaks today and had no problem.

 

[Just-Moxie]

Good to hear you are ok. Stay hydrated! I can't handle heat at all, and overheat quickly. So, around here, SC, I just do a little, then stop for a while and cool off. But I am at home, and not on a job situation. Even so, most companies are learning it pays to take care of their people. Water, breaks and shade...when possible.

 

[ducks4you]

Work the garden crack of dawn while it is cooler.
I heard that one fire out west this summer was caused by somebody burning weeds with a torch (http://www.acehardware.com/product/..._clickid=d38afd91-717f-48d6-a8ee-aab967d06652). NOT good where it is dry, but usable in our climate, especially with the thunderstorm that we had this morning. I burn an average of 1x/week, but you have to be so careful. Last weekend I had burdock piled up on top of last year's brush, BUT there were green weeds that had grown up around the pile, so when we burned I had to tend it to keep it going. Many weeds on the outside were untouched and we burned it about 1/2 way through in the direction of the wind.
Local stables work their horses 5 AM-10AM, and then after 6PM to avoid the mid day heat.
I have 3 more weeks of burdock/planting/harvesting work before I can really train, and then I'll be riding early, too.

 

[Just-Moxie]

Yep. Early morning up to 11 am is about the only time for gardening and chores. Our 1 acre, however, is too wet to mow till afternoon.

 

[Nyboy]

Glad your ok. About 3 summers ago I ended up in ER with dehydration. Had to have IV fluids. My Dr said the best thing I can do is eat a banana every day during summer. We lose a lot of potassium though sweat, banana helps replace.

 

[digitS']

Not just bananas!

Colorado State University

Table Two: Look at those veggies in the high list.

Steve