If you don’t have air conditioning or it suddenly goes on the fritz during a #heat wave, find a public space that does. Malls, stores, public libraries and cinemas are excellent places to spend a couple of hours in climate-controlled comfort. While fans and evaporative coolers offer some slight comfort by augmenting your body’s natural cooling mechanisms, they lose effectiveness at temperatures above 90 and in high humidity. That’s when youl need to find a cooling center, take a cool shower or resort to measures such as freezing your bed linens. Or you can create your own makeshift A/C unit using a cooler, ice, fan and a few simple tools. #BeatTheHeat
Tag: keeping cool
Keeping Pets Safe in Extreme Heat
Extreme #heat is especially dangerous for our animal companions, says the New York Times. Walk dogs early in the morning or after sunset when temperatures are cooler, avoid strenuous activity and seek shade. Carry water and a collapsible dish to keep your pet hydrated. If your dog slows down, let them take a break — and if he or she shows signs of #overheating such as excessive panting, lethargy or a deep-red tongue, get them to a cool water bath fast. If signs of distress persist, go to a veterinarian immediately. And never leave your pet unattended inside a closed car; a car’s cabin temperature can rise to dangerous levels even when the outside air is temperate. #BeatTheHeat
Hydrate to Stay Cool in a Heat Wave
With record-setting temperatures in the Pacific Northwest set to spread throughout the Great Plains this week, it’s time to revisit a few tested strategies to beat the heat. First, keep yourself (and your pets) hydrated, FEMA says. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink water and other noncaffeinated soft drinks, regardless of your activity level — chug like your life depends on it. It might: Heat exhaustion and heat stroke can come on suddenly when the thermometer spikes, and they can have dangerous and debilitating effects. Take immediate action to cool off if you experience symptoms such as cramps, rapid pulse or dizziness. #BeatTheHeat
Keep Cool While Saving Energy
To save energy while keeping #cool during the hot #summer months, follow the same principles you would in preparing for the cold winter months, experts told The Evening Tribune. Add insulation and seal up leaks to make your HVAC system operate more efficiently. Close the blinds on the south and west sides of your house to keep out the sun’s #heat, cook outdoors on a grill rather than using an indoor oven, and use the washer and dryer only after dark, when outdoor temperatures cool down. Finally, use fans even if you have air conditioning to help circulate that cool, dehumidified air.
Never Leave Kids, Pets in the Car
Acting like miniature greenhouses, car interiors heat up fast in the #summer sun. Never leave children, elderly relatives or pets inside a hot car; all are extremely vulnerable to heatstroke and serious trauma or death can occur within minutes — even if the windows are cracked or it doesn’t seem “that” hot. Keep a bottle of cool water on hand to spritz yourself and your kids on hot summer days, The New York Times suggests, or have them run through a sprinkler or splash — fully supervised — in a pool. #SummerSafetyTips