How to stay cool, protect yourself and your pets, and be able to afford the hot season ahead.
Water is key. Cool water for both you and your pets. Water plants at night but be aware of water shortages due to lack of rain that may restrict yard sprinklers.
Condense your space. If you live in a large home but only use one or two rooms, adjust the household temperature a bit higher (if you have central A/C) and add a window AC (if possible) to your bedroom or main gathering area. This can apply to office space as well.
Fans. Moving air is always better for keeping your skin cooler (and your pets will appreciate it too).
Fill a large bowl with ice and water and let your hands or feet soak. This is a quick way to help cool down if feeling overheated.
Shade. Trees are an amazing way to keep a home cooler but unfortunately, more and more landscaping is done without large trees. Awnings and curtains can help block the sun’s heat rays, making it easier to keep your home comfortable. Keeping an umbrella around is another great way to get shade and keep yourself cooler. Don’t be embarrassed, it’s your health and comfort here.
Get your AC unit a yearly checkup. No need to waste money on something not working right.
Light colored cotton clothing. Synthetic and polyester fabrics may hold in heat, making things worse.
Change your linens. Light weight sheets and towels are easier to clean, hold in less heat and put less burden on you for cleaning.
Condense laundry loads and do laundry at night. Now is not the time to wash heavy and bulky items. Hang blankets, heavy towels and comforters outside to dry. This is not a new idea, just one that most people have forgotten.
Keep a cooler around that can hold a bag or two of ice. In an emergency, you can fill the cooler with ice and water and position a fan (place fan on top of a chair or low table and not where it can fall into the water) to blow the air on top of the ice toward you. This is a quick way to stay cool if your AC stops working.
Turn off unused items like electronics. The DVD player or spare computer may not need to be one 24/7. Empty out the overflow freezer and only keep things that you will use. No need to pay to keep a turkey from 1999 frozen.
Keep bottles of water and a large clean towel in your vehicle. Towels can be used for emergency shade if needed.
Use sunblock OFTEN and stay out of the direct sun if possible. Skin cancer is no joke.
Animals feel heat too. A pet owner must understand that dogs and cats don’t sweat – they pant. Without real shade and accessibility to cool and plentiful water, outdoor pets can be overwhelmed by the excessive heat. Want to take the dog on the boat or to the beach? Make sure they have fresh water to drink and a place to get out of the sun.
Limit outdoor activities, including sports. Try to schedule events in the morning or late in the afternoon.
Keep plenty of water
Heat Cramps: muscle pain or spasms can be felt in arms, legs or stomach. Seek cooler location, replenish fluids with electrolytes and shed extra clothing.
Heat exhaustion: heavy sweating, illness, cramps, paleness, dizziness and/or vomiting can occur. Get somewhere cool, get in a cool bath, replenish fluids and call for help.
Heat stroke: If your internal body temperature gets too high (103 degrees) call 911 immediately. You may have a rapid and strong pulse, confusion, red or flush skin coloring and confusion. Time is of the essence! Cool your body however possible while waiting for help. Get in a cool bath or submerge hands and feet in ice water, get in a vehicle with COLD AC, cover body in ice packs (with thin cloth between them and you). You must get your body temperature down as quickly as possible.
And the most important of all – NEVER LEAVE A PERSON OR PET in a hot car. Death can come swiftly and is completely avoidable.