HOW TO ENJOY YOUR OBX VACATION DURING A HEAT WAVE

When you officially commit to your week of choosing for your much-anticipated vacation to the OBX you can have everything set for a great week, but one thing you cannot control is the weather. Summer invariably brings the chance of pop up thunderstorms, rip currents, and heat waves. A heat wave on the Outer Banks can be more than a nuisance during your vacation, it can be downright dangerous if not taken seriously. There are great guidelines from the US National Weather Service to ensure you have a fun and safe time, no matter the temperature.

Watch the Heat Index!

Heat and humidity are a terrible team here on the Outer Banks. When temps are in the 90’s it can feel like it’s in the 100’s due to the tropical-like humidity we experience. This ‘feels like’ temperature is called the heat index. During these times it is best to take it easy outside during the hottest part of the day and stay well hydrated (DRINK LOTS OF WATER). Other heat safety tips include wearing light clothing, avoiding strenuous activities and applying sunscreen. You should also watch for heat cramps, heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Do you know the signs of these heat-related illnesses?

Is It Heat Exhaustion or Heat Stroke?

Heat exhaustion involves muscle cramps, excessive sweating and feeling faint or dizzy. When this happens, get the affected person to a cool place, have them drink water and apply cool towels or have them get in a cool shower.

Heat stroke is much more dangerous with confusion, throbbing headache, no sweat with red, hot dry skin and even loss of consciousness. In these instances, it is best to call 911 while you move the person to a cooler place and apply cool towels.

Also, important to note during these times the temperature in your car can quickly become deadly. Heat related deaths are preventable so never, never, ever leave children, disabled adults or pets in parked, unattended vehicles.

Furry Friend Safety in the Summer Sun

Finally, as the Outer Banks has some of the most pet-friendly beaches in the country, the town of Kill Devil Hills reminds us about heat safety for our furry friends. If it is too hot for you to walk on the asphalt or sand barefoot, it is too hot for your dog. A lot of our customers rent our standard cabana for their furry friends to relax under while on the beach.

Beat the Heat-OAR Style!

An awesome way we enjoy beating the heat wave is by kicking back in our classic beach chair or beach bum beach chair at dawn to watch the sunrise over the ocean. Afterwards, pop open our ultimate umbrella with 100% UV protectant Sunbrella Canvas during the morning or later afternoon hours for great beach time fun. We also rent coolers to keep you well hydrated on while enjoying the sand and surf.

Don’t over exert yourself during a heat wave by setting up your beach gear. With our umbrella setup service, we do all the work during the week in the early morning and evening of setting up and taking down our beach gear including add-ons like a daily iced cooler to keep you happy in the heat.

With these precautions in mind, you’ll be able to safely enjoy all the fun the Outer Banks has to offer during your vacation no matter how high the thermometer gets.