Late summer is the time to kick off tailgating at football games, enjoy the rides at a carnival or county fair, or dance the day away at a music festival.
But while at these events, people can be at risk of heat exhaustion or heat stroke — especially as global warming brings more hot days.
“A lot of times people go to these festivals and are not prepared to be in the sun and out in the heat as long as they are all day. So preparing ahead of time will make a big difference,” says Joe Phillips, battalion chief and fire marshal for the city of Charlottesville, Virginia, fire department.
He recommends people start drinking a lot of water and limiting their alcohol consumption the day before an event so they’re well hydrated when they arrive.
They should continue hydrating throughout the event and seek cooling if they feel too hot or get cramps.
Phillips says event organizers should also prepare by providing designated cooling areas such as shade tents or misters and free drinking water.
“I’ve worked many events where people are waiting in line to get in,” Phillips says, “and the event would have for them pallets of water, right as the crowd comes through.”
So people can stay safe while enjoying fun in the sun.
Reporting credit: ChavoBart Digital Media
