Vermonters find ways to stay safe, cool during heat wave
Many people went to North Beach to cool off
Many people went to North Beach to cool off
Many people went to North Beach to cool off
When the weather is hot, 5-year-old Freya Jones and her mother, Leslie, love to cool off at North Beach.
"I brought Freya to the beach because we are trying to stick with box fans this year, and the house is too humid. So you might as well be here all day," said beachgoer Leslie Joneserson.
North Beach is always a popular spot in the summer months, which is why dermatologist Melanie Bui with the University of Vermont Medical Center recommends putting on sunscreen with a high SPF.
"What I don't want people to do is to be scared to go outside and really enjoy a beautiful day like this. Just do it in a safe way," said Bui.
She said one of the best ways to protect skin against sun damage is to stay inside when the sun is at its strongest, which is between 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
"Sun protective umbrellas (and) sun protective tents are excellent options as well," said Bui.
While it's important to stay comfortable and cool when it's dangerously hot outside, Green Mountain Power said it's a good idea to try conserving energy during peak usage times, when energy rates for the entire year are set.
"It's the one hour of the year when there is the most use on the grid. What the problem is, is it can end up costing customers a lot of money," said Kristin Kelly, with Green Mountain Power.
During peak usage times, Green Mountain Power said taking simple steps such as not running your washing machine or dishwasher at peak times, which could be around 6 p.m. Thursday or Friday, will kelp keep energy rates low.
"For every 1 megawatt of energy that is offset through the (Save and Share program), $5,000 is going to the Vermont Foodbank. So it's a really great cause," said Kelly.
The power utility is encouraging customers to sign up for notifications, to be alerted about potential peak energy times, in order to help conserve energy.