Category: Advice & TIps

According to an article from The Guardian, Americans are enduring summers almost a full two degrees (1.5F) hotter than the average in 1895. Some places have seen far more extreme summertime increases, reaching up to nearly 5F hotter.

This extreme summer heat can be dangerous for anyone, but especially kids, the elderly, and those with chronic illness. As the summer heat gets progressively more intense, it becomes ever more crucial to stay cool during the summer. Here’s our top tips for beating the heat!

Why is the summer heat so dangerous?

Summer heat can be particularly dangerous due to several factors. High temperatures significantly increase the body’s need for water, and inadequate fluid intake can lead to dehydration, manifesting as dizziness, headaches, and in severe cases, heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

Heat exhaustion is actually more common than you might think, occurring in roughly 20 of 100,000 people each year in the United States. It tends to be more common in urban areas during periods of extreme heat and causes anywhere between 240 and 833 deaths.

eat exhaustion, a milder form of heat-related illness, can develop after prolonged exposure to high temperatures with insufficient fluid replacement, causing heavy sweating, weakness, cold, pale, and clammy skin, a fast and weak pulse, nausea, vomiting, and fainting. Overexposure to the sun can cause sunburn, resulting in skin damage, pain, and an increased risk of skin cancer.

High temperatures may also exacerbate existing health conditions in vulnerable populations. This includes respiratory problems, heart disease, and diabetes. Heart edem

Tips for staying cool in the summer heat

Staying cool in the summer heat is crucial for preventing diseases caused by extreme heat. Here are some tips to stay comfortable, but most importantly safe!

Stay hydrated

Drink lots of water throughout the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty. You may even find yourself needing to drink more water than the usual recommended amount. Try to avoid overindulging in drinks that would otherwise dehydrate you, such as caffeinated drinks and alcohol.

Use sunscreen

Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Reapply every two hours, or more often if you are sweating or swimming. Keep in mind that even sunscreens labelled as water-resistant will wash off, so keep your sunscreen on hand!

Dress for the weather

Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, and light-colored clothing. Natural fabrics like cotton are breathable and help keep you cool.

Use fans and air-conditioning

Stay in air-conditioned buildings as much as possible. If you don’t have air conditioning at home, spend time in public places like shopping malls, libraries, or community centers. Use fans to circulate air and keep cool.

Take cool showers or baths

A cool shower or bath can help lower your body temperature. Alternatively, use a damp cloth to wipe your body or soak your feet in cool water.

Avoid strenuous activities

Limit intense physical activities, especially during peak heat. If you must exercise, do so in the early morning or late evening when it’s cooler.

Use cooling products

Items like cooling towels, ice packs, or misting fans can provide immediate relief from the heat.

Keep an eye on pets and children

Children and pets can overheat faster than us, and they may lack the communication skills to tell us they are unwell. Dogs, in particular, don’t have a means of sweating and regulating their temperature through panting/the bottom of their paws, so make sure they have plenty of access to shade and regular water through the day. Babies may fuss or cry, or may even do the exact opposite and become lethargic or unresponsive in extreme heat. And, as always, never leave a pet or child unattended in a hot car. Anything above 60F is considered dangerous for pets and children!

*A note for dogs: a common myth is that pouring water on your dog helps to keep them cool. On especially hot days, this is ill-advised! Unless the dog is swimming, pouring water on a dog can actually trap the water in their coat, which can heat up and increase their temperature.

Enjoying the summer heat safely

Enjoy the summer heat and take advantage of the summer months by choosing activities that minimize heat exposure. Consider going out in the early morning or late evening for outdoor activities like walking, jogging, cycling, etc. Water-based activities are great for all times of day, but especially if you want to go out during the hottest times of the day since they help you keep cool while being active. Of course, always remember the sunscreen and seek shade during peak hours!

For family fun, consider outdoor games that don’t require strenuous effort, such as frisbee, badminton, or a relaxed game of catch. Summer evenings are perfect for stargazing, outdoor movie nights, or having a barbecue with friends and family. Just ensure there is ample shade, plenty of fluids, and lighter food options.

We at AHI Group love the summer, but we understand that the extreme heat can be dangerous! Enjoy these summer months safely, and take the necessary precautions to keep your family safe. Happy summer!

Extreme heat in the Southwest is causing powerful storms in the U.S. this week. Winds up to 80mph are expected, reaching across western Oklahoma, eastern New Mexico, and western Texas. The truth is the summer, despite its warm weather and fun activities, brings extreme storms that can cause serious property damage–and we’ve seen more of these damaging events in recent years than ever before.

Did you know that 2023 marked the U.S.’s costliest year on record for severe storms, surpassing $50 billion in insured losses, according to a study released by the Insurance Information Institute? This issue is impacting everyone, and it’s even causing your home insurance rates to increase.

Regardless of the type of weather your area might be facing, heed our advice for protecting your home (and other physical assets, like your car!) against storm season. Being proactive could even help you save money on your auto and home insurance.

How is severe weather affecting my insurance rates?

As climate change intensifies, the frequency and severity of natural disasters such as hurricanes, wildfires, floods, and tornadoes have increased.

Insurance providers are facing more claims as well as higher claim costs as a result of the extensive damage being done to property, including homes and vehicles. To ensure they can continue to pay claims, insurance companies are raising premiums across the board. Homeowners in high-risk areas are particularly affected, often experiencing substantial hikes in their insurance costs or, in some cases, finding it challenging to obtain coverage at all.

The unpredictability of severe weather events complicates risk assessment for insurers. This uncertainty leads to a more conservative approach in pricing policies, contributing to higher premiums nationwide. Insurers also need to factor in the cost of reinsurance—insurance for insurers—which, just like ordinary property and casualty insurance, has become more expensive due to the increased likelihood (and severity) of catastrophic events.

What can I do?

Climate change is such a complicated issue. While you can do your part in being a good eco-warrior, severe weather won’t hold off just because you use bamboo cutlery. To protect your property, you need to be proactive–and that starts by being a good homeowner.

Before the weather hits

Even before a storm is in the forecast, it’s good to take proactive measures and fortify your home’s defence. Come spring and summer, it’s likelier that you’ll start to see high winds, heavy rain, and hail–all of which can be seriously detrimental to your property.

Always ensure your home is well-maintained. Clean out eaves troughs and downspouts regularly, and ensure that your downspouts are always extending away from your home at least six feet. Alternatively, you can set up a rain barrel to collect water runoff from your roof.

Notice any cracks in your walkways, patios, or driveways? Seal those up! It’s a good time to also look for any leaks, seepage, or cracks in the foundation of your home, crawl space, or basement. Get these repaired before the weather hits, or severe weather could just as well worsen the issues you’re already seeing and seriously accumulate the cost of repairs.

If you are scheduled for a roof replacement, consider materials that may help to reduce damage to your home. Depending on the kind of weather you experience, you might consider a metal, asphalt shingle, clay, or even a tile roof! Remember as well: the age of your roof can impact your roof’s durability, so if your roof is getting too old then it might be time to consider a new one.

When the storm is coming

Severe weather in the forecast? Doing some last-minute preparations for your home can be the difference between small repairs and major restorations–sometimes even thousands of dollars. We recommend subscribing to your local weather alerts so that you’re aware when a storm is about to hit.

If hail or high winds are in the forecast, park your car somewhere indoors or take it to a public underground parking lot where it will be safe from the impact of flying debris or ice. Be careful if you do decide to take your vehicle to an underground parking lot, as odds are, many other drivers will have the same idea and the roads might be treacherous! Also, if the hail has already started and parking your car indoors is not an option, cover it with a thick blanket to reduce the impact.

Make sure you’ve cleared all loose furniture from outside your home or brought it inside. High winds can make something as insignificant as a lawn chair a very dangerous projectile.

After the storm

After the storm, if your home has sustained damage, it may be time to consider making a claim. If the damages are small enough that you can do the repairs yourself, i.e.: a broken window, a couple of dents, or some landscaping got thrown around, you may want to avoid claiming to reduce the chances of tarnishing your current insurance record. The more claims you make, the more your insurance will increase as you’re considered a slightly higher risk.

If your home has been severely damaged, don’t re-enter until it’s safe to do so. Falling debris or roofing materials could be hazardous to you and your family members. Only re-enter when you’re allowed to. Take as many photos and videos as you can during this time, as evidence of your loss can help expedite your claim. And, finally, work with an agent! An AHI agent can guide you through this process. As stressful as making an insurance claim is, it’s that much easier with an expert in your corner.