Working outside this summer - any tips? (Tempe: how much, place to live)

[NCtoAZ]

My family and I will be relocating to the area in about 6 weeks. I have a job lined up in Tempe working for a delivery company. I'm a little bit nervous, because of the coming heat. In particular, I've never experienced the heat out there during the summer or gained the knowledge yet to deal with it. Do you all have any suggestions?

I've already been told to drink (sip) water throughout the day, because sweat evaporates a lot faster than in other climates.

By the way, I'm coming from NC and work outside here too. I'm used to the nasty 90 plus degree days here, but it’s a different heat with the humidity.

[khuntrevor]

Depends on your shift. Never heard of any UPS guys or mailmen dying out here. I don't know if either have a/c.

[NCtoAZ]

I'll be outside during the day time hours. You have a good point. I've never heard of any delivery people dying either.

[khuntrevor]

The border agents (and others) use those bladder bag type of water bottles strapped to their backs with the over the shoulder straw (military style).

[Jkgourmet]

Your clothing can make a world of difference. Loose fitting clothes. Try to leave the belt at hoe. No polyester - stick with natural materials. Wear a hat and sunscreen. And find a comfortable, light weight pair of shoes or Teva's.

Welcome to the Valley. It's a wonderful place to live and we shall miss it when we move next month (ironically, to NC, where you are coming from!)

[ReadyFreddy]

Originally Posted by khuntrevor

The border agents (and others) use those bladder bag type of water bottles strapped to their backs with the over the shoulder straw (military style).

Same with bicycle cops. Costco sells them. Or any sports store. Ask for a Camelbak, though other brands make them.

[gettingoutofAZ]

While few if any delivery truck drivers die from heat, plenty of them DO get heat stroke. You have some great suggestions here on how to avoid it. Stay hydrated, stay in the shade (even if shade means hat, sunglasses). If you think you are drinking too much water, drink more. Read up on the symptomns of heatstroke and have it in mind.

Sunscreen, lots of it. And thank you for getting our packages to us, it's a tough job in the heat!

[CheyDee]

It can't be over-emphasized about drinking water, even when you think you don't need to. Because of the very low humidity here, your perspiration evaporates immediately - so it's not like you see wet spots on your shirt or feel clammy most times. In other words, because of the low humidity you don't even realize how much you may be sweating, so drink, drink, drink, even when you think you don't need to.

[SubconsciousMe]

A high quality, insulated water bottle. Even if it costs $30. It will keep things cold. I had a slick stainless insulated Camelback bottle (just lost it).

I agree with the other suggestions too. The good, lightweight clothes you find at places like REI are expensive but they are lightweight and much cheaper than a bill from an emergency after a heat stroke. People say "it's not as bad... it's a dry heat"--I get it. I've lived many places with brutal humidity. But if you are not used to it... it can be a shock.

Plenty of people die each summer from it. Go prepared, know your limits, don't over do it.

[rgscpat]

Would some electrolyte replacement be good, also? I'm thinking it would be particularly important during the first weeks of becoming acclimated to the climate, when the sweating and loss of body salts would be particularly acute.

Note: I'm not a medico and I don't play one on television, so someone more knowledgeable should comment.