Heatwave and Blackout Preparation

Parts of the United States and Canada have had extremely high temperatures over the last week and a half.  If you combine the humidity with the actual air temperature, we have been dealing with 100 degrees Fahrenheit temps and over.  There is no relief in sight let alone rain.
Thursday's temperatures are expected to break records.  The humidex is expected to reach 48 degrees, which is equivalent to almost 119 F! 
Our soil in the gardens is cracking, the plants are drooping and the dog is panting.  We have a Golden Retriever who is finding this weather to be extremely warm and intolerable.  These days, we are letting him outside for toileting only.  He rushes right to the door and can't wait to get out of the heat.

I don't ever recall in the last 40 years having temperatures this high.  I have spent some time this evening preparing our meals for tomorrow.  Anything that requires cooking has been completed this evening, long after the sun has gone down.  I have done this to keep the heat out of the house and also to be prepared in case of a Blackout.
Due to the high temperatures, I am prepared in the case that there is an Blackout due to the immense strain on our electrical system.  I am aware that there will be an enormous strain on electricity when temperatures reach record breaking values during the afternoon on Thursday.
We have found terrrific ways of keeping cool during this heat wave.  This evening, my daughter and I went to the mall and got some exercise while enjoying a cool environment. 
Here are some helpful ideas on how to stay cool:

• Don a wet bandana - this will keep your head cool
• Stay out of the sun. Period! 
• Frequently mist yourself with water, or use a wet washcloth on your arms, neck, chest and back to cool down - we do this hourly on those hot days
• Drink a lot of water - around 1 cup every 20 minutes - don't let yourself get thirsty because if you do, you are already on your way to being dehydrated.
• Wear light colours and loose clothing if you have to go out
• Don't forget that sunhat and sunblock
• Limit physical activity - with tomorrow's temperatures, lying around in a hammock under the shade of a tree sounds wonderful
• Even using a Barbeque is a hot job on a hot day.  Try to have meals that include a lot of juicy fruits and vegetables.  Not only is this healthy and good for you, it is also hydrating.
• Get into the water!  Find a community pool (many of which have extended hours during a heat wave like this one) and give your body a chance to cool down.
• If you start feeling nauseated, have a headache, fever or trouble breathing, go to your emergency department immediately - please don't drive, seek help from a neighbour or call 911.
• Children, the elderly and pets have an especially hard time in the heat and become ill very quickly.  It is important that they stay cool, resting and well hydrated.  Keep indoors!

Now that we have addressed ways to keep cool.  What happens if there is such a strain on our electrical system that we have a Blackout?  There are parts of North America (approximately 12 million people) who experienced a blackout on August 14th, 2003.  All of a sudden, we were faced without hydro which meant that we were completely without portable phones, electrical radios, appliances and lighting.  This also meant that restaurants, grocery stores, gas stations, financial institutions and essential services had to rely on their back up generators (if they even had them) to maintain food supplies, generate funds and help those who were sick, etc.  We didn't have any warning whatsoever and people were not prepared.
I remember that evening seeing a lot of homes lit by candlelight and families out walking with their children because there was no t.v.  I stayed at home enjoying peace and tranquility while hearing the children outside playing.  I thought it was wonderful - but that is because I was prepared.
Here are some ways to prepare for an unexpected Blackout:

• Have extra cash stashed away at home for emergency purchases
• Fill up your car with gas
• Have an extra filled propane tank for the BBQ - you can heat water and cook
• Fans - if it's hot out there, you will need to have some paper handy to make those old fashioned fans!
• Fill your bathtub with water.  You will need this to flush your toilets if there is an interruption to the water supply.
• Drinking Water - stock up- ensure that you have at least 1 litre per person per day for a 14 day period.  You never know how long it will take for the power to come back on.
• Keep your cell phone fully charged
• Batteries - make sure that you have enough to power the flash lights if needed
• Candles - dust them off and get them ready.  You don't want to be searching for them in the dark!
• Comforters, heavy blankets and sleeping bags - These are to cover your deep freeze and refridgerator to help insulate and prevent your food from spoiling
• Open up your doors to friends, family and neighbours.  You will be able to maximize your resources by bringing everyone together!

***Remember that by planning for the heat wave and the blackout, you are not only readying your own family, you may also need to help out a neighbour or a family who was not prepared and need food and resources. 
We wish everyone the best on Thursday and pray for wellness...
Please remember to check on the elderly and single persons on a regular basis during this immense heat wave.