We were in Atlanta last weekend during their record-breaking heat wave. When HOTlanta is breaking records, you know it’s hot.

It was while I was sitting at the open-air sauna Turner Field that I decided to write a post about traveling and/or being outside in extreme heat.

PLAN AHEAD

• Consider the temperatures when you are packing. Look for light-colored, light-weigh natural materials. Dri-fit shirts are becoming very popular, and if you sweat profusely they can help you stay dry but consider the fact that the very thing that makes them effective might hurt you since your body cools down as sweat evaporates from your skin.
• Pack a hat and sunscreen.
• Pack an empty water bottle to help with hydration. There are collapsible versions that will not take up a lot of room in your luggage. There are also versions with both a filter and freezer stick built in. Look around and find the bottle with features that will work well and make you want to stay hydrated.
• Schedule your activities around the weather. Go outdoors in the morning and early evening and save your indoor activities for midday. This could be the perfect time to see a movie, go shopping, visit a museum, or even take a nap.
• Check for airline delays. Heat brings storms and potential airline delays. Stay on top of this situation by setting up text alerts from your carrier. If you are caught by a storm and need to rebook, stay as calm as possible. You don’t want to take your frustrations out on anyone but especially not that airline employee you are counting on for help.

TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF

• STAY HYDRATED!!! It can’t be stated often enough. Don’t wait until you are thirsty to drink. You are bound to run into trouble if your body becomes dehydrated. The rule of thumb is that you should drink eight ounces of water for every hour spent outside.
• Muscle cramps could signal bad things. Visit the CDC’s site for great information on spotting the signs of heat exhaustion/stroke.
• If you are going to a sporting event, concert, festival, or theme park, scope out the first-aid area. If something happens and you need immediate assistance, seek out an employee.
• Lather up with sunscreen and wear a hat.
• Don’t overdo it. It would be better to juggle your schedule, even if it means missing a few outings, than to try too many activities only to be overcome by the heat.
• Eat small meals. Watch your protein intake as these cause high metabolic heat.
• Listen to your body. If you start to feel queasy, dizzy, or flushed get to a cool place. If you vomit, seek first aid or call 9-1-1. It doesn’t take long to go from slightly overheated to distressed.

Oh and one final world of advice, if you are going to the Braves game when it’s 106, limit the number of pre-game samples you allow yourself at World of Coke.