By Amaya Horner, Volunteer and Outreach Associate
You don’t have to let the summer heat deter you from enjoying your favorite outdoor activities! Follow these tips to stay safe and prepared while enjoying TLC preserves this summer.
Bring the Essentials!
Staying hydrated is essential during outdoor activities, especially on hot days. Always carry extra water and consider adding electrolyte packets for a nutrient boost. Keeping a water bottle or hydration pack within easy reach can help you remember to drink regularly on the trail.
You may be tempted to wear short clothing when hiking in the heat. However, covering up can protect you from the sun! Loose clothing can help you stay cool and light-colored clothing will help reflect sun rays away from your body. Sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and UV protective clothing are very beneficial when hiking in sunny areas to prevent sunburn.
Plan Accordingly
Planning ahead is very important when hiking or biking on trails. During the summer months, hiking early in the morning or in the evening as the sun is starting to set is a great way to miss the peak temperatures of the day. If you can’t avoid afternoon temperatures, it is best to plan your route on trails you are familiar with where you can find shaded areas to cool off.
Know your capabilities and tolerance for heat and take it easy! Hiking shorter distances or shorter periods of time during hot days can help you avoid heat-related illness and exhaustion while engaging in the activities you enjoy.
Heat Related Illnesses
Heat related illnesses are something to watch out for when hiking in high temperatures. Signs of heat exhaustion to look out for are rapid pulse, faintness, dizziness, and nausea. According to the National Outdoor Learning School, heat exhaustion may escalate to heat stroke when one experiences a throbbing headache, disorientation, and a body temperature of 104°F or higher.
Heat exhaustion and heat stroke can become serious medical conditions and should be treated right away. When experiencing symptoms, move to a shady spot to rest and remove excess clothing. Rehydrate with plenty of water and cool off by using a wet bandana or hat. If there’s no improvement, evacuate immediately.
Other Weather Concerns
When checking the weather, consider both the temperature and the ‘Real Feel’ heat index, which accounts for humidity and UV levels. TLC may cancel or postpone events in extreme heat to keep participants safe, with a heat index of 90°F or higher considered high risk for strenuous outdoor activity.
Summer thunderstorms can also roll in very quickly. Look at the weather forecast before venturing onto trails, seek shelter if lighting occurs, and watch our TLC website for preserve closure announcements. Williamson and Brumley close after it rains to protect multi-use trails from erosion.
TLC continues to host morning and evening events throughout the summer. We hope that you will join us at one of our beautiful preserves soon and use these tips to stay safe on trail!
