Moving Words – Heat
Written by Timothy Brady.
“Any quality player can adjust well to the different demands. It is like a good tennis player who is expected to adjust to the clay at the French Open, the grass at Wimbledon, the hard courts of the U.S. and the heat of the Australian Open. A professional is expected to do all that.” Gautam Gambhir, International Cricket Player from India
Change the words from a quality player to a “quality mover” – Any quality mover can adjust well to the different demands. It’s like a good van operator who adjusts to the heat and humidity of Houston, the dry heat of Phoenix and Las Vegas, to the oppressive heat of running Interstate 10 in August; a true moving professional is expected to do all that, and more.
The ‘dog days’ of August are here, and it’s the height of the household moving season, wherein getting every scheduled move completed on time becomes a heat-related effort for those running the southern tier or the western desert of the United States.
Heat impacts the pack, load and unload crews needing to be hydrated – while not leaving sweat stains on that silk upholstered sofa. This is when you must consider what a stifling hot moving van interior can do to temperature-sensitive shipper’s items like art work, live plants, candles, antiques and electronics. When where they’re loaded; how these sensitive items are packed, and where leaving them in the direct sun outside the van is not an option.
Planning ahead for the heat of summer is the best way not to have a negative impact on the move. Plan plenty of water and sports drinks for the moving crews; have each crew member bring several light-colored workshirts so when he’s soaked to the skin with perspiration, he can change to a dry one to better protect the shippers’ belongings, supply cool wraps for crew members’ necks or heads to keep the blood flow to the brain at a reasonable body temperature. Keep everyone away from sugar or diet drinks and sodas; water is the best defense against dehydration.
Here are other suggestions to keep yourself and crew members cool. If in the dry desert, using a spray bottle/mister is a great way to cool off quickly. Also set up an electric box or oscillating fan in a shaded area like a garage. Cool, damp wash cloths are another means of cooling off the skin and are especially effective in cooling the head. (Don’t use ice water for this; far better to use cold tap water.)
Have all your crew members aware of the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, and each should keep an eye on the others for any of the following symptoms.
According to WebMd.com:
The most common signs and symptoms of Heat Exhaustion include:
- Confusion
- Dark-colored urine (a sign of dehydration)
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- Fatigue
If you, or any of your crew has symptoms of heat exhaustion, it’s essential to immediately get out of the heat and rest, preferably in an air-conditioned room. If you can’t get someone inside, seek the nearest cool and shady place. Other recommended strategies include:
- Drink plenty of fluid (avoid caffeine and alcohol).
- Remove any tight or unnecessary clothing.
- Take a cool shower, bath, or sponge bath.
- Apply other cooling measures such as fans or ice towels.
If such measures fail to provide relief within 15 minutes, seek emergency medical help, because untreated heat exhaustion can progress to heat stroke.
After you or your crew member has recovered from heat exhaustion, the body is likely to be more sensitive to high temperatures during the following week. So it’s best to avoid hot weather and heavy exercise until the doctor says it’s safe to resume normal activities.
Also be alert for the most common signs and symptoms of Heat Stroke:
The hallmark symptom of heat stroke is a core body temperature above 105 degrees Fahrenheit, but fainting may be the first sign.
Other symptoms may include:
- Throbbing headache
- Dizziness and light-headedness
- Lack of sweating despite the heat
- Red, hot, dry skin
- Muscle weakness or cramps; abdominal cramps
- Nausea and vomiting, or diarrhea
- Rapid heartbeat, which may be either strong or weak
- Rapid, shallow breathing
- Behavioral changes such as confusion, disorientation, or staggering
- Seizures
- Unconsciousness
- Pale skin
- Profuse sweating
The intense heat of summer is just a part of the job of moving. Knowing how to handle it and keep yourself and your crew safe is the sign of a true moving professional.
