Whoa! Is it HOT out there!!
This “Beat the Heat” blog is designed to help you “cool your heels” (and other body parts!), as well as your home, while also considering a bit of energy conservation – physical, AND electric, in hopes we can keep our homes powered during these hot, hot hours…
In addition to the tips contained in our infographic, we are going to start by advising you to, simply, Be Cool.
Try not to let the heat go to your head figuratively (more tips to avoid “literally” later)…
However, while keeping your cool, keep a continued awareness of the effects that extreme heat can have on you – and others. This includes, in particular, people who may not have access to AC, who may not be able to keep their own cool, calm head in the midst of worrisome rising temps, but in particular, this applies strongly to people who work outside while the temperatures rise (see temperature map from yesterday, July 19 – HOT!).
*image source: Mesonet, National Air Temperature maps
If you are someone working outdoors, stay hydrated, take breaks often in the shade and/or in an air conditioned space… get a “cool rag” or equivalent, and eat cold, lighter foods (which – some folks may feel is less fun, but – it actually helps)…
If you are not someone who is working outside or struggling in conditions without housing and/or air conditioning – be kind. Carry waters with you to give to people who might need them. Be patient – you do not know how someone may be feeling when overheated, nor what their conditions are … as we said at the start, in many ways, the first rule of beating the heat is to, Be Cool.
*image source: International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans (blog, “Water in the Workplace…”)
Okay! That said, here is a list of additional heat-busting tactics:
1.) If you have area rugs, or similar on the floors of your home – wrap them up and store them for the summer (don’t toss them! extreme temperatures also, get cold…)
2.) … and, this may sound strange to some, but — once your floors are cleared of rugs, etc. (if they were not already) — wet them down. Take a towel, soak it in water (in the tub, under a hose, wherever) – and wipe down the floors.
3.) If you have ceiling fans, and have not yet done so — check to see if your fans are running in “summer mode” — that the blades are running counterclockwise. Most newer ceiling fans have a switch that allows you to change the mode.
4.) If you have a box fan, oscillating fan, etc. — use them in ways that move hot air OUT of spaces & move cool air (wherever there may be some!) into spaces … additionally, although it seems counterintuitive, place fans further away rather than closer to you — and, finally re: fans —there are a whole lotta YouTube videos currently circulating (pun?) about how to make your fan into a cool-blowing ice-“AC”
5.) Make Either: a.) Large-scale decisions about not taking-in heat through your home’s windows, b.) large/moderate-scale, or c.) moderate scale … A.) Being – get heat-reducing windows installed … B.) Being – get shutters that keep out strong sunlight (and, may help in extreme weather, as well) … and/or, C.) Buy curtains that really, REALLY keep that sun OUT
6.) … When it’s hot – ever feel like just turning out the lights in the your house, even though you know that’s not like, turning off the Sun?? … Well. Go with your gut. This will reduce some of the heat coming off of those lights, and also, lower the amount of power you’re using – hence increasing the collective chances of keeping powergrids, etc. going during these hot, hot times.
7.) Finally – the “usuals” … But, seriously … You really, Really, must stay hydrated (fruits & water, etc) …Take Breaks during the day – it is easier than you think you become “heat exhausted” … And, do more at night time, when possible and safe to do so (remember! well-lit spaces at night help the evening go right 🙂
Check out additional tips in our infographic for more ways to – “Beat the Heat” ❤
