Four Easy Tips for Surviving the Heatwave

4 Easy Tips to Survive the Heatwave

Here at the Bear Grylls Survival Academy, we always approach teaching survival techniques by reinforcing Bear's own Priorities of Survival:

Protection, Rescue, Water and Food

1. Protection
The environment you spend your day in, plays a huge role in keeping comfortable during extreme heat. Whether at home or the office, we'd advise pulling any blinds or curtains on all windows and (where possible) have the lights off. Assuming the work/home environment isn't air conditioned, the addition of fans is encouraged to circluate air around the room.
The hottest time of the day is 14h00-17h00, where every effort should be made to remain indoors. If you have to go outdoors, always wear suncream, a hat and sunglasses.
Ensure you are dressed in light clothing and shoes which encourage air circulation and avoid darker colours which will absorb more heat.

2. Rescue
Know the signs of dehydration and heat exhaustion! More than that, ensure that everyone else at work is aware of any signs to look out for, and confirm where they should take anyone for help during the day. Ensure also that any first aid supplies you might require are readily available.
If you're working from home (or your office is very relaxed), placing your feet in a bucket of water is a personal favourite of ours to keep your body temperature down.
In an office environment, providing fridges for staff to cool their drinks and lunches are also really helpful!

3. Water
We all know how important it is to drink lots of water, but this is even more important during extreme heat. It is crucial though, that you sip little and often through the day rather than taking huge gulps at a time; and resist the urge to drink ice cold water!
If your office environment doesn't allow drinks at workstations, it's important that either a temporary exception is made or a reasonable alternative is made available.

4. Food
Proper nutrition can get you through a hot day - focussing on cold, water-rich foods (fruits, salads, vegetables) and dairy products to sustain you. The salt content of your food also requires consideration - while always in moderation, it is important to keep your salt levels up in the heat, to combat heat exhaustion and dehydration.