Heat or Floods.. the Dangers of 29: How to Stay Safe!

Twentynine Palms is a hot, dry climate… well usually. Like everywhere else though, we are still prone to flooding, with just the littlest bit of rain. Which can be very dangerous if you’re not careful. During the summer, our temperatures also tend to reach above 100 degrees, causing that to be a safety concern as well. And with the weather changing recently, we need to know how to stay safe!
  
Flash Flooding
Just one single thunderstorm here in the desert can equal up to threequarters of the annual rainfall here in 29, isn’t that crazy?! Generally areas like ours do not have storm drains, or any type of water-diverting infrastructures due to the little amount of rain that we do receive. Which means it can lead to flash-flood conditions very quickly.
If you are out and about during a rainstorm, here are some tips for you!

• Avoid walking through the floodwaters, as they can be dangerous. You never know what might be lurking in there!
• Try to avoid driving through flooded areas. Only a foot deep of water can displace a vehicle..
• Driving through it can get a little hard to avoid, due to flooding in areas you might have to get through to get home and what not. Take an alternate, safer route if available. If not take extreme caution, and be as careful as you can.

 
You can never be too safe!

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Sun & Heat Exposure:
Some exposure to sunlight is good, even healthy, but too much can be dangerous. Overexposure can cause premature aging of your skin, as well as wrinkling! We don’t want that now, do we? Luckily you can prevent these things from happening!

• WEAR SUNSCREEN! Put it on at least 15 minutes prior to stepping out in the heat. You’re probably thinking, oh goodness. That’s too much trouble.. That’s such a hassle. But trust me, it helps! Make sure to reapply it if you plan on going swimming, or you happen to be sweating excessively, you can never be too careful!
• SUNGLASSES that have UV protection, or wide-brimmed hats are always help!

Precautions to Avoid Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke:
Because of the high temperatures here, it is important to take precautions!

• Stay indoors when temperatures are too EXTREME.
• STAY HYDRATED, even if you do not feel thirsty.
• Alcoholic beverages tend to dehydrate the body, try to avoid drinking them during these times. 
• Avoid going out during midday hours. As those could potentially be the most dangerous.
• Lightweight, light-colored clothing reflects sunlight, try to stick to those.
• Cover all exposed skin with a high SPF sunscreen and follow general sun exposure precautions. 

I hope these tips and tricks were beneficial to you, and that you received some helpful information from this. Maybe even learned a trick or two! With the weather changing recently, hopefully it's helpful to those who may not be aware of the dangers and such of these weather changes. Stay safe everyone, and have a good week!