How to beat the heat

Hot enough for you?

It’s been a scorcher.

Here, there and everywhere. A massive heat dome has enveloped the country just in time to shatter records, melt World Cup fans and alter everyone’s 4th of July plans.

A record heat wave across Europe has set extremely high temperatures and is threatening the health of humans, animals and the ecosystems that support them.

Yesterday when I left the movie theater after seeing Toy Story 5 for the second time, the temperature on my dashboard read 108 degrees.

My dog Mack has gone on strike. He will only go outside to pee then runs back in the house. If I attempt to walk him, he hits the brakes and won’t move. Smart dog. He spends most of the day with his furry body plastered against the cold air register.

Is this a wake-up call from the planet? Could be. This might become the hottest summer ever or scarier, the coolest summer with only hotter ones to come.

Yikes!

What do we do?

First, do your part to stop climate change: Cut out unnecessary travel. Drive less. Compost. Recycle. Reuse. Consume less. Go vegetarian. Vote for people who believe in science and work hard to slow climate change.

Meanwhile, stay cool.

Run through a sprinkler. Jump in a lake. Cool in a pool. Fill some squirt guns. Ambush the neighbors with water balloons.

Check in on the vulnerable. Protect kids and pets. They can’t protect themselves. Leave water out for the bees and birds. Place big marbles in the bird baths so the bees don’t drown.

Never leave a child or pet in a car in this weather, not even for “a few seconds.” Those seconds could turn into minutes that quickly kill a vulnerable loved one.

Check in on elderly folks. Back in 1995, a heat wave in Chicago killed 739 people, most of them elderly poor people who didn’t have air conditioning and were too afraid of crime to open their windows or sleep outside.

Hand out bottles of cold water to the homeless, to construction workers and to sanitation workers. Hydrate every hour.

Know the signs for heat exhaustion. It happens when your body doesn’t get enough water or salt. The signs? Cool, moist skin. Profuse sweating. Muscle cramps. You might feel nauseous, faint, dizzy, tired and have a weak, rapid pulse. If so, move into a cool place fast and hydrate. Contact your doctor or get to the ER if you don’t improve.

Heat stroke signs: you feel confused, agitated and might lose consciousness. Get medical help right away.

Beware of hot pavement and sticky asphalt for bare feet and puppy paws. Touch that leather seat before you sit down in a car or plunk your pooch there. Toss a bed sheet over it to keep it cool.

Live your outdoor life early in the morning or after sunset. Do your outdoor chores or walks early morning or after sunset.

Take a cold shower. Put a cold wet cloth on the back of your neck and wrists. Apply cold packs to your shins.

Wear a hat. Protect your head. Scalp is skin and will burn. Use a Sunbrella. Apply SPF 30+ every hour or two. Don’t forget your ears, neck and feet if in sandals. Wear flowy dresses or thin loose clothing in light colors that reflect the light.

If you don’t have AC, close your curtains and blinds so your home doesn’t feel like a greenhouse. Sleep on the floor or in the basement. Avoid using your oven. Eat salads and cold foods.

Head to the mall, the movies, a museum or the library where it’s cool. Read books on global warming. Cool off by watching “Frozen,” “Ice Age,” “Cool Runnings,” or “March of the Penguins.” Rent “Body Heat,” “Cool Hand Luke,” “Do the Right Thing,” or “Kiss Me Kate” and sing along, “It’s too damn hot!”

Because it is.