The heat waves that hit our country this summer are coming back. See how to survive the first decade of August.
According to reports, Mercury is rising again from today National Weather Service forecasts and is on the one hand an important dilemma faced by many households in the unbearable heat 24 hours of coolness with the use of air conditioning and on the other hand high cost of energy.
Although it is impossible not to use the air conditioner during extreme natural events, its continuous use “inflates” the bills, as well it burdens health in different ways.
So there are many who try for the above reasons, to limit using air conditioning.
The following steps can help you save cool in your home during a heat wave, without paying a small fortune to your energy provider, but also to your organization short “survival without conditioning” intervals.
1. Use floor or ceiling fans to increase air circulation in your home
Using fans in the home to open windows and move warm air from indoors to outdoors can act as a good “ventilation” system.
Open all the windows when the weather is cool in the evening and close them again when the sun rises in the morning, lower the curtains and blinds.
2. Take advantage of the cooling power of water
Fill buckets or basins and get your feet wet. Wet towels and cool compresses on the head can have a cooling effect.
Take a cool shower and use a spray bottle to spray cold refreshing water on your face or body throughout the day.
3. Limit yourself to the lower floors of your home
As warm air rises, the upper floors of the house will be warmer than the first floor. A basement can be a cool shelter from the midday heat.
4. Turn off additional heat sources
Incandescent lights such as computers or appliances left on standby can generate unnecessary heat.
Eat fresh food that does not require the use of a kitchen or oven to cook.
5. Maintain adequate levels of hydration
You may need to drink more water than usual. If you sweat profusely, you should also replenish your electrolytes by drinking water and small amounts of food.
Thirst is the first sign of dehydration, so you should drink enough fluids.
6. Avoid alcoholic beverages
Alcohol and caffeine have a diuretic effect and can cause dehydration.
7. Create an air conditioner at home
For an improvised “air conditioning” system, sit in front of a floor fan aimed at an open cooler or container filled with ice.
8. Visit public buildings with air conditioning
If the heat is unbearable, it is a good idea for the hottest hours of the day. If you’re still in town, libraries and malls are ideal places to chill and relax.
9. Don’t eat large, protein-rich meals
They increase metabolic heat and warm the body.
10. Learn to recognize the signs of heat-related health problems
Learn how to deal with health emergencies caused by elevated temperatures (heat stress, heat exhaustion, heatstroke, etc.).
In case of heat emergency, call 166 and try to cool the patient until help arrives.
11. Finally, remember that pets also suffer from heat
Cool down your pets (dogs, rabbits, cats) by giving them a “cool” bath or shower that will help lower their body temperature.
A cool wet towel on the floor or tiles next to a fan will go a long way to help your pet cool down. Also, make sure they have plenty of cool water.
Symptoms of heatstroke in pets:
- rapid breathing,
- open eyes
- many fools
- warm skin,
- muscle contraction,
- vomiting