06/10/2026
Be safe, be cool, and have fun!
Safety comes even before fun at every Touch-A-Truck, and it looks like Saturday is going to be hot! Staying safe in the outdoors when the heat cranks up comes down to a few non-negotiable habits. Your body works overtime to cool itself down, so your main goal is to assist that natural cooling process.
Here are some of the most important things to consider to prevent heat-related illnesses:
1. Hydrate Proactively
By the time you feel thirsty, youโre already mildly dehydrated. Sip water continuously throughout the dayโaim for about 1 quart per hour during intense outdoor activity. Also, sweating drains your body of essential salts. Balance your water intake with sports drinks, electrolyte powders, or salty snacks to prevent hyponatremia (a dangerous drop in blood sodium levels).
2. Time Your Activities Wisely
The sun is at its most punishing during the middle of the day. Avoid strenuous outdoor activities between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM.
Shift your visit to the early morning when temperatures and the UV index are lower.
3. Dress for the Heat
Your clothing choices can either trap heat or help release it. Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, and light-colored clothing. Light colors reflect heat, while loose garments allow air to circulate. Choose moisture-wicking synthetics or merino wool. Avoid heavy cotton, which holds onto sweat and stays damp. A wide-brimmed hat shields your face and neck, and UV-blocking sunglasses protect your eyes.
4. Pace Yourself and Acclimatize
Don't expect your body to handle a 95ยฐF day perfectly if you've been sitting in air conditioning all week. It takes about 7 to 14 days for the human body to adapt to high temperatures. Take it easy! Take frequent breaks in the shade.
5. Seek Shade
Direct sunlight can make the perceived temperature feel up to 15ยฐF hotter than what the thermometer says. Use covered structures.
Please keep an eye on your party, like older folks and especially kids, who may let their excitement overwhelm their sense of discomfort with the heat. Review the helpful steps above and follow that good advice, and we encourage you to come early if possible. We will have shade canopies for your use as rest areas, and our "Sq**rt Sq**rters" will be moving around the event with their water blasters to splash on anyone who askes for it (and maybe a few who don't!). We will also be on the lookout for any guest who looks like they might be in heat-related distress so we can suggest ways to prevent more serious problems. The Redlands Community Emergency Response Team will be there to offer First Aid and provide assistance with cooling us all down.
So let's have BIG FUN and BEAT THE HEAT! Don't let the heat beat you!