BEAT THE HEAT

Jun 14

LARPING IN HOT WEATHER

Adapted from Dystopia Rising: Texas.

One of the deadliest threats in our hollers is no monster lurking behind trees, but the heat and humidity that Virginia summer brings; it’s important to consider what this means for YOU, the player in Dystopia Rising.

High temperatures kill hundreds of people every year. Heat-related deaths and illness are preventable, yet more than 700 people die from extreme heat every year in the United States. We want you to take measures to stay cool, stay hydrated, and stay informed. Getting too hot can make you sick, or worse. You can become ill from the heat if your body can’t compensate for it and properly cool you off.

Completing physical activities, like LARP boffer combat, in hot conditions can stress the body and contribute to loss of fluids, fatigue, heat stress, heat exhaustion, or heat stroke. We want you to stay safe during hot temperatures, particularly during our summer games where heat and humidity combine to make intense weather that can quickly cause heat stress conditions.

WHAT IS HEAT STRESS?

Heat stress is a situation where too much heat is absorbed by a person and causes stress, illness or even death. Heat stress can occur any time the temperature is elevated, but certain factors or conditions can contribute to heat stress. These factors include:

Temperature. This is the most obvious factor, but Virginia’s fluctuating temperatures, especially during the summer, create the right conditions to cause heat stress. If it’s not comfortable to be outside, it’s probably hot enough to cause heat stress.
Air Movement. If you are in an outdoor cabin with little circulation or access to a breeze, the temperatures can spike significantly. Some of our non-temperature-controlled buildings may not have as much air movement as would be ideal.
Physical Activity. Dystopia Rising is a boffer LARP and involves physical activity and exertion. This can be a factor even in cold weather though, particularly during a really tough fight. But all physical activity can be a risk, even during setup or tear down at the end of the weekend.
Clothing. We all have some amazing post-apocalyptic costumes, but heavy layers and dark colors can increase your heat stress. Heavy armor, lots of gear, masks, or helmets can all quickly create dangerous conditions.
High humidity. When the humidity is high, sweat won’t evaporate as quickly. This keeps your body from releasing heat as fast as it may need to. Once the humidity reaches a certain point, even air conditioning won’t be able to completely cool an area.
Medication. Some medicines, particularly blood pressure medications, psychiatric or ADHD medications, even antihistamines or certain allergy meds can reduce your tolerance for hot temperatures.
Diet. Stay hydrated and eat a light lunch. Heavy food and caffeinated drinks can increase heat stress and the overall stress on your body
Personal factors. Age, obesity, fever, dehydration, diabetes, heart disease, mental illness, poor circulation, sunburn, and alcohol use all can play a role in whether a person can cool off enough in very hot weather.

Being aware of your own heat tolerance is the first step to preventing injury while larping in hot weather, but let’s talk about some other actions you can take to keep yourself safe.

HOW DO I PREVENT HEAT INJURY WHILE LARPING?

There’s only so much we can do to avoid the heat in hot & humid Virginia summers, but let’s cover some considerations for games during hot weather. What can you do to reduce your risk of heat stress and injury?

ADJUST YOUR COSTUME

The easiest way to prepare for hot weather is to take a hard look at your kit. What can you leave behind or not bring to site that will not be appropriate for hot temperatures?

Wear lightweight or loose-fitting clothing and avoid dark clothes. Can you use lighter fabrics like linen or lighter colors in your outfit? That black leather jacket is cool looking, but it’s probably not the right choice for hot weather.

We have more lenient rules for armor in Virginia. We won’t be actively enforcing costuming requirements for armor. Leave the heavy armor at home, it’s okay!
Consider a wide-brimmed hat or umbrella. While there are many trees at Prince William Forest Park, the best way is to create your own shade! Even sunlight can stream in through the canopy of trees, and increasing your shade can prevent sunburn and heat stress.
Bring a personal or portable fan. Hand held fans aren’t just for Pure Bloods, and can make a big difference in your personal comfort during hot temps.
Add a water bottle or canteen to your kit. If you haven’t already, consider adding a water bottle or way to carry fluids with you during the event. Remember, drinking water and staying hydrated is one of the best steps you can take to prevent dehydration and heat stress.
Bring sunscreen and apply it regularly. It’s easy to forget at a LARP, but sunburns can contribute to your heat stress and cause a lot of pain as well. Make sure you bring suncreen with your kit, and remember to apply it regularly as you sweat and move around the camp.

DRINK WATER EARLY AND OFTEN

The easiest way to prevent dehydration and heat stress is to drink water!

Hydrate early, and often. Drink more water than usual, and don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink. It’s a great idea to start your hydration several days before the event, as it can help you stay hydrated during the game.
Don’t rely on only water. Sweating will deplete salt and electrolytes from your body, and it’s important to not just rely on water alone. Bring some rehydration salts or electrolytes boosters for your water bottles, and make sure you are eating enough food as well.
Avoid heavy meals and caffeine. Heavy food and caffeinated drinks can increase heat stress and the overall stress on your body. I know it might be sacrilege, but see if you can reduce your coffee and energy drink intake during hot events.

AVOID ACTIVITY DURING THE HOTTEST PART OF THE DAY

Whenever possible during a hot weather game, avoid strenuous activities during the hottest parts of the day and watch out for other players during those times to reduce heat stress.

Limit your outdoor activity, especially when the weather is hottest. We’ve purposefully pushed back our Siesta times from 3-5PM to cover some of the hottest parts of the day. We won’t be sending out NPCs during these times, so it’s a perfect time to take shelter in cooler buildings, relax in the shade, take a cool shower, or get out of kit.
Plan your movements. In the hottest part of the day try to keep to the shade. If possible, also reduce moving around altogether. If you know that you have to travel across the site with a lot of kit see if you can share the load of carrying equipment so that those encumbered by heavy costume and armor do less. Avoid hills and if there is natural water aim to be near it.
Pace yourself. Start activities slowly and pick up the pace gradually. Give yourself more time to complete activities like walking across the site to go to the Post Office or find ways to take breaks between outdoor crafting like Agricultural.
Prepare yourself for your environment and activities beforehand. If you normally work in an air-conditioned office, you may be less prepared for the temps than someone who works outside regularly. Can you take steps to acclimate yourself before the event starts?
Avoid direct sunlight when possible. Try to plan outdoor activities in shady areas with some protection from the sun. Minimize your time out in the open or find other ways to make portable shade with tents, canopies or pavilions, or personal umbrellas.

Take cooling breaks as needed. Reduce your risk for heat-related illness by taking a cool shower, or even going to your vehicle for an air conditioning break.
Limit use of the stove and ovens. The kitchen can be useful but be careful of using the stoves as it will make you hotter. If you are in charge of a meal plan for the weekend or normally use the kitchen for lunch, can you instead consider a midday meal like sandwiches or something that doesn’t need to be cooked?
Hydrate early, and often. Drink more water than usual, and don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink. Muscle cramping may be an early sign of heat-related illness. I know this is a repeat, but it’s worth saying it again.

WATCH OUT FOR YOUR FELLOW PLAYERS

Check on friends and neighbors and have someone check on you. Even young and healthy people can get sick from the heat if they participate in strenuous physical activities during hot weather. Sometimes our most valuable tool to avoid heat stress is the other people around us.

Check in with folks around you and ask these questions:

Are they drinking enough water?
When was the last time they drank water?
Do they have access to air conditioning?
Do they need help keeping cool?
Have they taken a cool shower recently?
Have they eaten recently?

Listen to your body and respond to it. LARP is only a game and if you need to take some time out to eat, drink, cool down and wash the sweat off then do it. A short break will help to keep on going.
Get help in the case of an emergency. Report any concerns to a Safety Guide or a Gamerunner. Seek medical care off site right away if you or a friend has symptoms of heat-related illness.

WHAT TO DO WHEN HEAT STRESS HAPPENS

We want to give you the tools to be prepared for preventing heat stress, but heat stress can strike quickly. If it reaches a point where someone you know is suffering from heat stress despite these precautions above, let’s cover what to do next.

RECOGNIZE THE SYMPTOMS
We’ve included a chart below with a list of each stage of heat stress and exhaustion. It’s important that you are familiar with common symptoms so you can recognize them when they are affecting you or your friends.
TELL SOMEONE AND GET HELP IMMEDIATELY
Don’t wait. Report any concerns to a Safety Guide or a Gamerunner immediately. Heat stroke can be deadly, and this is just a game. It’s not worth risking your health because you play a big, tough character in Dystopia Rising.
SEEK EMERGENCY CARE OFF SITE
If you or a loved one are experiencing heat stress, heat exhaustion, or heat stroke, please leave the site and go to the Emergency Care. While we have several Safety Guides on site and even a few trained nurses and EMTs among our players, there's only so much we can do at Prince William Forest Park.

THIS WILL BE OUR FIRST RECOMMENDATION FOR ANY PLAYER SUFFERING FROM HEAT EXHAUSTION OR SERIOUS HEAT STRESS!

Nearest Emergency Services to Prince William Forest Park:

Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center
Sentara Lake Ridge
Emergency USA Family Medical Care Center, Inc
UVA Health Prince William Medical Center
Stafford Hospital

Dystopia Rising Virginia