When a heat wave strikes an area that typically doesn’t need air conditioners, surviving extreme temperatures can be a challenge. Below you will find heat survival tips.
- Use Water! Fill buckets and basins with water and soak your feet. Wet towels and bandannas can have a cooling effect when worn on your head or shoulders. Take cool showers and baths. Fill a spray bottle with cold water to spritz yourself throughout the day. Drink, drink, drink! I cannot emphasize enough that you need to stay hydrated.
- Avoid alcohol and caffeine. Both can act as diuretics and promote dehydration.
- Don’t eat large, protein-rich meals. This can increase metabolic heat and warm the body.
- Stay downstairs. Hot air rises, the upper stories of a home will be warmer than the ground floor.
- Eliminate heat sources. Incandescent light bulbs, computers, and running appliances can generate unnecessary heat. Eat cold foods so you don’t have to use your oven or stove.
- Go somewhere that has air conditioning. This is for after the pandemic! Go to the movies, the library, or walk the mall during the hottest part of the day. Even going to the grocery store will give you exercise and relief.
