Dog Days Defense

With every summer we continue to experience record-breaking temperatures. These conditions are more than just uncomfortable - they can be life-threatening. Outside work crews are most adversely affected by high heat. So here are some tips to get them prepared for the dog days of summer.

The Early Bird Gets Less Infirm - In disaster restoration, you don’t usually have the option of flexible hours – when there’s work, you work. But if it’s possible, try to get to the job at the crack of dawn when the air is cooler and knock off once the heat gets intense in the afternoon. You’ll probably find that your workers get more done with that kind of schedule.

Fill‘r Up – The hotter it gets, the more your body burns fat and depletes energy. So it’s vital that you stay properly fueled with plenty of fluids and healthy food. Drinking water is the best way to stay hydrated because soda, sports drinks, and juice can create a sugar high, but then crash you into a slump. Dehydration can lead to muscle cramps, nausea, vomiting, lightheadedness, confusion, and weakness. In the worst-case scenario, it may induce heat stroke which can kill you or cause damage to the brain and other internal organs

Have you heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day? Well, it’s true! By eating in the morning, you are literally breaking a fast of up to 12 hours. So to get your body ready for the day, you need to eat a protein-packed breakfast so it has something to burn. Adding vitamins may help keep your body regulated. Eating a good breakfast will also keep you from overeating at lunch which can bring on a food coma in the afternoon, making you much less alert and productive.

Don’t Shrivel in the Sun - If you have to work in high heat, avoid direct exposure to the sun as best as you can and do the following:

• Try to work in covered areas
• Wear a hat with a brim
• Heavily apply sunscreen every few hours
• Watch out for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke in yourself and coworkers
• Wear light-colored clothes that reflect the sun
• Wear natural cotton or linen clothes that breathe and absorb sweat

Usually on work sites during hot weather, you’ll see at least one guy with no shirt on. I’m not sure if this is just a macho thing or if they’re trying to stay cool. If the latter, they’re failing miserably. Since cotton clothing allows air to move through it, once it’s soaked through even the slightest breeze will feel like air conditioning. So keep your shirt on!

The dog days of summer are a time that’s usually marked by lethargy, inactivity, or laziness. But since you’ve got a business to run, regardless of the weather, you’ve got to work through it. Following the above advice will help your team to be healthier and more productive during the sweltering days ahead.