Staying cool during a heatwave without AC is difficult but not impossible! With these 15 tips you’ll be able chill out during even the hottest summer days.
It’s summer and the hottest days of the year are here. Many of us don’t have air conditioning, so figuring out how to stay cool during a heatwave is scary. It can be hard to get even the simplest tasks completed when you are hot and bothered.
Don’t worry, we have 15 tips that will help you chill out. It is important to remember your pets feel the heat just as much, if not more than we do.
Related – How to keep pets cool during a heatwave
@kylejglenn
Tips for staying cool during a heatwave
Let’s get right into it! Here are 15 tips and tricks for staying cool during a heatwave.
1. Fans
This may seem obvious but having one or more fans in your home is important to keep the air moving. Fans don’t create cold air but they promote circulation and standing in from of a fan will help keep you cool.
Additionally, there are some fan ‘hacks’ that will help produce colder air.
- Bowl of Ice – keep a bowl of ice in front of a fan
- Ceiling Fan Counter-Clockwise – If you have a ceiling fan, set it to counter clockwise. This will force the air down towards you.
- Fan + Bed – When you are going to sleep, aim the fan next to you.
@georgechandrinosh
2. Water In a Windowsill At Night
Placing pans of water next to open windows at night will help produce a draft. If there is a slight nightly breeze, it will catch the water and the air will be a little cooler.
3. Keep Windows Mostly- Closed During The Day
The hottest hours of the day are from 11 AM – 5 PM. Keep the windows closed during these peak hours if it is hotter outside than inside. Leaving them slightly open is good for circulation. However, when they are wide open on hot days, it will just let in hot air.
4. Keep Electronics Off
Cooking without the stove is crucial for keeping cool during a heatwave. The oven and stove create tons of heat which will warm up your house even more. Additionally, keep the lights off and try to spend the day unplugged from electronics if possible.
5. Leafy Greens and Fruit
Salads and fruits like melon will help cool you down. Eating heavy, protein rich foods are harder to digest and will make your body work even more. This will rise your internal temperatures which could lead to further discomfort.
Melons are mostly water and will help keep you hydrated. Moreover, try to skip out on salty foods as they will contribute to dehydration.
煜翔 肖
@edceee
6. Damp Face Cloth/Towel
Keeping a damp facecloth over your head or a towel draped around your body will help keep you cool. Even soak multiple towels, ring them out and put them in the fridge so you can constantly keep switching them out.
7. Stay Hydrated
This is absolutely crucial. Average daily water consumption is about 10 cups per day. You will need to double up on this on hot days. The more we sweat and heat up the more water we lose. In order to stay cool, we need to drink tons of water all day long.
8. Cool Showers or Baths
Frequent, short soaks or showers will help you stay cool. It doesn’t have to be long showers but just hopping in and out periodically will help chill you out. Additionally, let the water dry off without a towel.
9. Avoid Alcohol and Caffeine
Alcohol and caffeine will dehydrate you. If you are out at the beach drinking, you may forget to drink water. This is extremely dangerous and could cause you to get heat stroke.
10. Visit Air Conditioned Places
If possible, go visit places with A/C. Not only does this support local businesses, it’ll get you out of the house and hopefully give you more comfort.
Libraries, shopping malls, restaurants and movie theatres are excellent places to take advantage of during a heatwave.
11. Stay Downstairs
Like elementary school science classes taught us, heat rises. If possible, hangout downstairs of even in the basement. Even try to sleep down there if possible.
@sciencekitten
12. Dress For The Weather
When venturing out into the heat wearing loose clothing will help relieve you from sticky sweat. Try to avoid dark clothing as it absorbs heat and will make you much hotter.
When the sun is strongest, try to keep you skin covered if possible. This will help keep you protected from harmful UV rays.
13. Seek Shade
Additionally, when outside stay in shaded areas. The sun can be very dangerous and even when your trying to tan or enjoy the beach, remember to bring some shade.
When shady areas are sparse, make your own with an umbrella or tent. This will not only bring you protection but also more comfort.
14. Keep Curtains Closed
Keeping the blinds closed during the day will help prevent the strong suns heat from entering your apartment or making it even hotter. Leave the windows cracked slightly in order to promote air circulation.
15. Sprits Bottle
Using a sprits bottle when your out and about or just relaxing at home will help keep you cool during a heatwave. You can even spray your bed sheets down before you sleep.
@domenika
Heat Related Illnesses
It is important to keep in mind that extreme heat can cause not only discomfort but actual illness. Heat stroke kills over 600 Americans every year and is very preventable.
If you or someone you know has these symptoms you may need to seek medical attention:
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Fainting
- Rapid-breathing
- Swelling-hands and feet
- Pale Skin
Do not leave kids or pets in hot cars or unattended during these very hot days. Check in on loved ones, especially elders, to ensure they are safe and comfortable during the heatwave!
Stay safe and fun this summer!
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