Surviving Summer!

DO:

Drink Lots of Water. This is the most obvious, but it’s amazing how quickly you can get dehydrated in the summer. Always have a bottle of water with you and never refuse a bottle of water when it’s offered to you.

Stock Up on Lotion and Lip Balm. The ground isn’t the only think that gets dry in Phoenix.

Get Sun Shades for Your Car. Did you know you can literally bake cookies in your car during the summer heat? (I’ve done it. Ask to see the pictures.) Tinted windows and sun shades are widely used here for good reason. In addition to helping keep your car cooler, they can reduce the wear from the sun on the dashboard and help keep you from burning your hands on the steering wheel. Still watch out for that metal belt buckle, though!

Protect Yourself from the Sun. Hats, umbrellas and sunblock are all your friends! It’s easy to forget the sun is intense here, especially when you’re in the pool or under a mister. Make no mistake you should find shade and SPF whenever possible.

DON’T:

Don’t Do Strenuous Activities Outside. You may need to mow your lawn or wash your car in the summer, but don’t wait until after 9 am to do them! Exercising and chores that must be done in the summer, should be done first thing in the morning.

Don’t Leave Children and Pets in Your Car. Temperatures can rise to dangerous and even deadly levels within minutes in the hot sun. Don’t leave anyone in the car. Not with a window cracked, not with water, not for anything.

Don’t Be a Tough Guy (or Gal). It may be a dry heat, but 115 degrees is hot, no matter how tough you are. Once you’ve lived in Phoenix for a while, you do acclimate, but even the natives know when to slow down and find the air conditioning.