Coping Strategies in Heatwaves: Each Individual Adopts a Unique Approach
In the heart of summer, Lyon, Rhône, has been experiencing an intense heatwave, with temperatures reaching as high as 40 degrees on some days. To cope with these soaring temperatures, the city's residents are adopting various strategies to stay safe and comfortable.
Hydration: Drinking plenty of water is crucial to avoid dehydration during the heatwave. It's essential to drink water frequently throughout the day, even if you don't feel thirsty. Carrying extra water when going outside is also recommended. Alcohol and caffeine should be avoided as they can contribute to dehydration.
Cooling Homes: To keep homes cool, residents are closing blinds and curtains during the hottest parts of the day to block sunlight. Fans or air conditioning, if available, are used to circulate air. Applying cold, damp cloths to pulse points and taking cool showers can help lower body temperature indoors.
Outdoor Activities: Limit time spent outdoors during peak heat hours (usually mid-afternoon). Wearing lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing, a hat, and sunscreen is advisable to protect from sun exposure. Take frequent breaks in the shade or indoors. Be vigilant for signs of heat exhaustion like heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, headache, and seek shade and hydration immediately if symptoms appear.
In this heatwave, these precautions are critical to avoid heat stroke, which requires immediate medical attention due to its high risk of fatality without prompt treatment.
Avoid swimming in unsafe waters during heat waves when contamination risks rise, and consider visiting local public cooling centers if your home lacks adequate cooling.
One local resident, Julie Petroli, co-owner of "Club Mirette" in Lyon, uses an air cooler for her south-facing ceramics workshop. Air coolers in Lyon are often used in the morning and closed during the day.
The consumer in Lyon prefers to eat fresh food due to the heat and lack of desire to cook or do anything hot. Fruit and vegetable stalls are popular during the heatwave in Lyon. Some residents use air coolers to cool their homes, while others double their efforts to cool down their homes using various methods.
Despite the intense heat, many weekend sports enthusiasts are not deterred. One sports enthusiast runs early in the morning to avoid the heat.
There are still many water points available in Lyon for hydration.
This combined approach will help manage the impact of extreme heat effectively in Lyon during summer. Stay safe and stay cool!
- To combat the increasing heatwave, some Lyon residents are opting for food choices that keep them cool, like fresh fruits and vegetables, which they prefer over cooking hot meals.
- Aware of the growing risks of heat exhaustion during summer, Julie Petroli, a local resident, uses an air cooler in her south-facing ceramics workshop, while others employ cooling methods like air conditioning or air coolers, switching between various tactics to stay comfortable.
- With the heatwave raising health concerns, fitness enthusiasts in Lyon are adopting new routines, such as running early in the morning to dodge the soaring temperatures, proving that even during challenging weather conditions, people find ways to maintain their commitment to fitness and exercise.
