Summer Weather Preparedness
Typically, the weather in Hanover is fairly mild. The hottest month is usually July, with an average high of 79 and an average low of 63. Despite these mild averages, the weather can get up to the 90s on the hottest days. It is vital to be aware of the many hidden dangers associated with hot weather. On days of extreme heat follow the preparedness precautions outlined by ready.gov. Stay informed about local heat safety by downloading the OSHA Heat Safety Tool for your smartphone.
Health Hazards
Heatstroke and heat exhaustion are the two most common illnesses from hot summer days and are often confused with one another, however, one is much more dangerous than the other making it essential to fully understand the signs and symptoms. The CDC recommends identifying and responding in the following way:
Heat Exhaustion
- Heavy sweating
- Weakness
- Cold, pale, and clammy skin
- Fast, weak pulse
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fainting
What You Should Do
- Move to a cooler location.
- Lie down and loosen your clothing.
- Apply cool, wet cloths to as much of your body as possible.
- Sip water.
- If you have vomited and it continues, seek medical attention immediately.
Heat Stroke
- High body temperature (above 103°F)*.
- Hot, red, dry or moist skin.
- Rapid and strong pulse.
- Possible unconsciousness.
What You Should Do
- Call 911 immediately — this is a medical emergency.
- Move the person to a cooler environment.
- Reduce the person’s body temperature with cool clothes or even a bath.
- Do NOT give fluids.
Sun Exposure
The CDC recommends regular sunscreen use to protect skin from harmful exposure. Apply sunscreen liberally at least 20 minutes before exposure and reapply sunscreen a minimum of every 2 hours or every time a person gets out of the water. Being informed (NIOSH Fast Facts: Protecting Yourself from Sun Exposure) is the best way to ensure proper usage of sunscreen and allow for protection against skin cancer.
Hot Weather Preparedness Resources
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Keep Your Cool in Hot Weather
- Environmental Protection Agency - Extreme Heat
- Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency - Extreme Heat Safety Tips
- National Weather Service - Heat Safety Tips and Resources
- Ready.gov - Extreme Heat
Beach Hazards
Before traveling to the beach, use forecast options such as Surf Zone Forecast to check the local rip current outlook for the day.
Education
For those interested in gaining further education on the topic, the CDC provides a free course on Recognizing, Preventing, and Treating Heat-Related Illness.