Completing a move and packing your belongings can be a real challenge, especially when a heatwave hits your area. Fortunately, we are here to save you the worst if you have to move this summer. Properly preventing heart-related ailments and dangers will help make your move safer and more enjoyable for you and your family.
CHOOSE A FLEXIBLE MOVING DATE
You can’t control the weather, but at least you can control your moving date. Agreeing on a flexible loading/unloading date with your carrier will allow you to postpone the move if temperatures soar. If possible, choose two weeks. Then, if the temperatures become unbearable, you will have some leeway to wait for warmer days.
WORK AT CERTAIN TIMES OF THE DAY
Pack your bags and pack your belongings early in the morning and late at night when the outside temperature is at its lowest. Set aside time to repeat this process to avoid a last-minute rush that will force you to work all day in the heat.
If you load the truck yourself, do the loading in the morning and take advantage of your afternoon to dismantle/pack your goods inside. Then, once the sun goes down, finish loading the truck.
BE PREPARED FOR THE HEAT
The day before you move, get plenty of ice or ice pack food and water for you and your family. Stock your fridge or cooler with electrolyte-laden drinks like water or sports drinks. If friends or neighbors are planning to help you move, also prepare everything you can so that they keep all their strength.
TAKE FREQUENT BREAKS
Once in the middle of a move, overwork becomes a permanent danger to watch closely, in your case and that of your loved ones. Ignoring the heat so as not to waste time can easily lead to suffering the adverse effects of high temperatures. Frequent breaks are an effective means of prevention to avoid this.
In the morning, take breaks every two hours minimum. In the afternoon, use the timer on your watch or smartphone to remind yourself to recover your strength while letting your body temperature cool down. During your break, sit in the shade and remember to hydrate yourself.
USE YOUR AIR CONDITIONERS
When it comes time to load up the moving truck, you might be tempted to turn off the air conditioners inside your home. After all, one can question their effectiveness when leaving the doors open and the cool air escaping.
However, the indoor temperature can rise considerably when windows and doors are left wide open in the summer. Air conditioners can help keep your home a few degrees cooler than the outside temperature.
INVOLVE YOUR LOVED ONES
When you work as a team, whether it’s packing boxes or loading them onto a truck, the job just gets easier. Working side by side with your loved ones will prevent everyone from feeling the full weight of the work and avoid prolonged exposure to the heatwave.
If you choose to work in a team, talk to the people involved before they start working. This is to ensure that they know their role well during the move. Assigning them tasks in advance will ensure that the work to be done goes smoothly, quickly, and efficiently.
KNOW HOW TO PREVENT HEAT-RELATED HAZARDS
Knowing how to recognize and prevent heat exhaustion is essential if you plan to move this summer. It can happen quickly, and its symptoms can be difficult to spot.
Signs of heat exhaustion:
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Blurred vision
- Body aches
- Nausea
- Vomiting
In most cases, a period of rest is enough to counter the effects of heat exhaustion. Ask the affected person to sit in the shade and keep well hydrated. You can also ease the symptoms with cold compresses. Contact a doctor if these persist after one hour.
Heatstroke is another illness linked to prolonged exposure to the sun. Symptoms are more severe than heat exhaustion because water and salt loss are increased. Do not hesitate to call 15 (medical emergencies) if you or someone else you work with has any of the following symptoms:
- Weakness, dizziness, and vertigo
- Headaches
- Nausea or vomiting
In case of heatstroke, you do not necessarily sweat and may have these symptoms:
- Body temperature above 40°C
- Skin hot, red, and sometimes dry
- If the brain is affected, severe confusion, convulsions, and coma are possible
Let the person lie down in the shade and remove all outer layers of clothing. Make sure she drinks cold water while you wait for help.
USE PROFESSIONAL CARRIERS
If loved ones aren’t available to help you move, the best way to avoid heat-related illnesses is to get help from professional movers. They can assist you in loading and unloading trucks and thus reduce the risks involved.
Moreover, arrange protective packaging material before moving to cover your belongings efficiently. To get them at affordable rates, visit Britwrap.
