We’ve shared hot weather guidelines to stay safe while moving your home or business in Part 1. However, it is also important to take it a step further and know the signs of dehydration and heat-related injuries during any outdoor summer activities.

If you are relocating in the summer months or doing other strenuous activity outside, do not use thirst alone as a guide for when to drink water. By the time you become thirsty, it is possible that you are already dehydrated. Also be aware that as you get older your body is less able to sense dehydration and send your brain signals of thirst. So when working or moving in the heat, keep a bottle of cold water nearby; even better, the night before freeze several bottles of water and have them handy.

Dehydration is a major contributing factor to heat-related injuries.  Under normal conditions, the body loses about one gallon of fluid a day through sweating, breathing, and going to the bathroom. But when you engage in strenuous activity in high temperatures, such as heavy lifting of furniture or moving boxes, the amount of fluid loss greatly increases.

Protect yourself and your loved ones from dehydration by knowing the symptoms. Don’t be so focused on getting all your belongings settled into your new place that you overlook the warning signs. Common heat-related injuries are heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke, respectively. Symptoms increase in severity from one level to the next. These may include headaches, dizziness, muscle weakness or spasms, thirst, or fatigue, and lack of sweating. And escalate into rapid heartbeat, vomiting, and changes in consciousness, high body temperature and drop in blood pressure.

If you notice these indicators intensify in anyone you are working with on moving day, stop what you are doing and assist them inside to cool off where they can rest and elevate their feet. Have them sip small amounts of water or Gatorade until they receive medical attention.

All in all, the goal is to take proper preventive measures by staying well hydrated throughout your relocation so you can look back on moving day and say it was a “Great Day Moving.”