Badgers Abroad

Episode #12 - Preparing for Extreme Heat

• UW–Madison International Safety & Security

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Heatwaves and prolonged excess heat conditions are increasing in frequency, duration, intensity, and magnitude due to climate change. Extreme heat conditions can cause cumulative stress on the human body and disrupt the delivery of important resources like water and electricity. Excessive temperatures can significantly impact traveler health and safety, exacerbate existing health issues, and increase the risk of dehydration and heat-related illnesses. This podcast and the associated resources will help you think about how you can best cope with extreme heat conditions and plan for a safe and healthy trip.

References and resources from the podcast are listed below:

Jeremy Rohrer: Welcome to the Badgers Abroad podcast. My name is Jeremy, and I'm the Assistant International Safety and Security Director at UW-Madison's International Division and the host of this podcast. In today's episode, I'm going to talk about extreme heat when traveling. 

Our climate is changing. Every year, it seems like we break new heat records. Many areas have dealt with unprecedented heat waves, wildfires, and droughts that pose an acute risk to health and safety when traveling. Generally, warm summer months are ideal for travel. However, scorching temperatures can pose a significant risk to health, and climate change and heat waves can contribute to other potential disruptions, such as power outages, water shortages, and wildfires. 

In extreme heat, your body works extra hard to maintain a normal temperature. Extreme heat is responsible for the highest number of annual deaths among all weather-related hazards. As with any potential hazard, you can take steps to minimize your personal risk and avoid travel disruptions related to extreme heat. 

First, as always, let's emphasize proactive planning. Understand the climate and heat risk and hazards present at your intended destination. Look at historic and current weather trends. Look at natural disasters. Is there anything that you should be concerned with coming up? How do local people deal with heat? In many places around the world, air conditioning and even refrigeration may be uncommon. That can be an unwelcome shock if you're not prepared for it. 

Also, research local climate-related disasters in the area you're visiting. Extreme heat can contribute to secondary disasters and disruptions such as droughts or wildfires. If you're going to a city that is experiencing water shortages, or if you're planning to visit a national park or other rural destination during wildfire season, you may have to adjust your planning. 

When you arrive at your destination during periods of extreme heat, build an itinerary that accounts for the weather, and schedule outdoor activities for cooler mornings or evenings. Avoid high-energy activities or work outdoors during midday heat if possible. During peak heat hours, prioritize exploring things like museums, shops, or other shaded or indoor locations. You never want to be out in the hottest part of the day if you can avoid it. 

When looking at accommodations, look for places that have in-room air conditioning and reliable access to electricity and water. These are all things that we take for granted in the United States, but they may not be present in all destinations. If air conditioning is not generally available in the housing where you're visiting, identify places in your community where you can go to get cool during periods of extreme heat, such as libraries, cafes, or shopping centers. Take cool showers and baths to cool down when you can. 

Make sure to travel in groups and always check on your companions to make sure they're doing all right in the heat. Sun protection is critical in extreme heat environments. If you must be outside, find shade whenever you can. Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored, and breathable clothing that covers your arms and legs. A wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses are important for protecting your head and eyes. 

Hydration is critical when dealing with heat. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Always have a bottle of water on you when you're out and about, and consistently sip on cool water throughout the day, even if you don't feel thirsty. Take every chance you can to replenish your water source or buy additional bottles of water. You don't want to put yourself in a bad situation where you can't access water, especially if you're in an area without reliable tap water or if you're in an area that's experiencing water shortages. If you will be away for a while, always plan ahead and bring plenty of extra water. 

Avoid caffeinated, sugary, and alcoholic drinks as they can contribute to dehydration. Also, eat a proper diet and bring plenty of snacks with you when you're out and about so you can keep functioning properly and replenish electrolytes you lose with sweat. 

Sunscreen is essential. Choose a broad-spectrum, high SPF sunscreen and reapply it generously every couple of hours or more frequently if you're sweating or swimming. 

Be mindful of the signs and symptoms of heat illnesses and injuries. If you or someone in your group experiences symptoms of heat exhaustion or heat stroke, follow the guidance of the CDC, FEMA, and the National Weather Service that I've included in these show notes. Heat stroke is an emergency that requires the attention of qualified medical professionals. I'm including lots of resources in the show notes about heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke, so please review those before you travel and have a plan for how you can keep yourself and your traveling companions safe. That includes knowing how you can evacuate somebody who gets sick or injured and knowing how you can access medical care in an emergency. 

Observe the guidance of local authorities and pay attention to any warnings issued about heat or other climate-related disasters. Communicate with your travel companions, your hosts, and your contacts back home, and let them know if you're struggling physically or mentally with the climate. These things impact each person in a different way, and you want to make sure you're getting the most out of your trip while being safe and taking care of yourself. 

All right, that's the basic overview of extreme heat. I encourage you to read through the show notes because I've included lots of resources that can help keep you safe and healthy when traveling. Remember, preparedness starts with you. Take the necessary steps to ensure your safety and well-being and inspire those around you to do the same. Stay prepared, stay informed, stay empowered, and stay ready for whatever challenges may come your way. That concludes this episode. Thanks for listening. Until next time, stay safe out there.