Protect Yourself, the Movers, and Your Possessions by Learning What You Need to Know About Moving in Extreme Heat Conditions
Between the rain and intense heat, most people prefer scheduling their move while the skies are clear rather than risk water damage. That is a sound decision for most of the time, but there are still precautions that you need to take when you choose to move during summertime. Given that, here are four important points on what you need to know about moving in extreme heat conditions.
Keep yourself hydrated
The human body is not capable of withstanding long exposure to high temperatures. To combat the negative effects of heat to the body, drink fluids regularly throughout the entire duration of the move. Opt for bottled water since this would keep you hydrated for a much lower cost than energy drinks or sugar-laden beverages. Furthermore, the bottled form would make it easier to carry around with you.
According to research studies, it is best to drink water every 15 to 20 minutes. Avoid ice-cold water as well since this could cause further complications to your body. Stick with chilled or room-temperature in order to keep yourself hydrated during the entire move.
You may also consider offering bottled water to your movers. This would keep them working at optimal conditions, which could then result to a job well done within your target time.
Protect yourself from the harmful UV rays coming from the sun
Subjecting your skin directly to sunrays can cause severe health problems in the long run. There are various ways to protect your skin if you have no other choice but to work under the intense brightness of the sun.
Before setting out for your moving day, plan ahead your outfit and protective gear. Choose clothes that are made of light-colored, breathable fabrics, such as cotton. Make sure that it is not too tightly fitting so that you can move around without being restricted by your clothes. It is important to be quick and purposeful while working under the sun, so that you can minimize the amount of time you would spend under such conditions.
Once you have worn your chosen outfit, apply liberal amounts of sunscreen with a high sun protection factor on the exposed parts of your body. Pay special attention to your face, arms, and legs. Let the protective lotion be absorbed by your skin first before venturing outside.
As the sunrays continue to intensify, consider wearing a hat or cap over your head in order to increase the level of protection around you. Sunglasses with dark tints would also help protect you and improve your eyesight even during the brightest points of the day.
Learn the signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses to look out for
Over the course of your moving day, the temperature might rise up to the point wherein no amount of protection can save you from feeling physically ill. Study beforehand the various signs and symptoms of people suffering from heat-related illnesses, such as heat stroke, severe dehydration, and exhaustion. Arm yourself with this knowledge.
Extend your research further by learning what to do in case you or someone else is suffering from the said illnesses. Find out the appropriate first aid treatment for dizziness or nausea that has been induced by extreme heat. Having the initiative to learn and understand the importance of what you need to know about moving in extreme heat conditions would not only be beneficial for your own welfare, but also for those who are helping you during the move.
Protect items that are extreme temperature-sensitive
Similar to the human body, there are certain objects that are not designed to withstand extreme heat and cold. In order to preserve an object’s integrity during the move, it might be necessary for you to add insulating materials in your packing supplies.
If you are not sure which of your items would not last a trip under the intense heat of the sun, check the internet for recommendations from the experts and other people who have prior experience on this. Items that are typically included in such lists include all perishable goods, cleaning supplies, and soft plastics.
You can protect your belongings from extreme heat by wrapping them in insulating material before placing them in their designated boxes or containers. Better yet, you can schedule the items to go first, especially if you are starting the move during the early parts of the morning. This might guarantee that these items would be out of harm’s way by noontime.
Asking your movers to come in earlier is a proactive way of avoiding the intense heat later in the day. More often than not, movers are open to such suggestions since they understand how hard it is to work in unpleasant environment. Taking heed of what you need to know about moving in extreme heat conditions can definitely lessen the negative effects and suffering that you and your movers might experience during your moving day.