Samantha Torrence – It is hot! According to the weather channel this current heat wave has broken over 4000 records across the United States. People everywhere are sweltering unless they are lucky enough to have working central air and electricity. Staying inside when it is cool is one of the best ways to beat the heat, but just in case that is not an option here are ways to stay safe and cool during the heat wave.
1) Keep Hydrated! That is the most important way to keep cool and safe this summer. Drink plenty of water and other fluids. If you have children keeping around popsicles is a great way to keep them full of fluids without the monotony of plain water. Remember if you are sweating then you are losing water.
2) Keep the heat out of your house. Put up curtains around your home over every window. Light is heat, and the less light you have the better and easier it is to keep a space cool.
3) Ventilation is important. Turning on fans in your house to increase air flow will help our house remain cool and circulated. For Summer you will want your ceiling fans to turn counter-clockwise in summer.
4) If you have a large house without central air, and only window units to cool your home, then try to decrease the space your units will need to heat. My family is currently occupying two rooms on our first floor in our 10 room two story house. The rest of the house is closed off by hanging sheets in doorways that do not have doors on them. By keeping to the first floor and letting the heat rise, you can regulate the temperature in your living area.
5) Keep your power usage low. When you have many lights on in your home and unnecessary electronic devices you are straining the power grid. This could result in a power outage city wide which will inevitably end up in your house becoming an oven. Also keep your cooking simple. Make sandwiches and eat things like toast and cereal. This way you will not flood your house with unnecessary heat.
These are just a few ways to keep cool during the heat wave. You can also prepare for the summer or the winter by looking into energy efficient updates to your home. Stay cool and stay safe during this heat wave.
