We’re Havin a Heat Wave…

In California the heat wave has finally broken but there are still many weeks of summer left. Today I heard a report about high temperatures on the east coast and concerns for people living there. One of my pet peeves is the way we have built houses the last several years. Yards are so small you are lucky to have a grassy spot large enough to pitch a tent and you definitely can’t play soccer in yards anymore. You can reach out of your windows and touch the house next door. Not only do I hate this because there are no places for children to play and dig in the dirt but crowded neighborhoods experience more crime and now we know all of these homes, driveways and roadways, in such a confined area have raised temperatures. This can be deadly when neighborhoods do not cool down at night. We need to be aware of ways to reduce the dangers of heat and especially during a heat wave. At the beginning of June I posted about surviving the heat but here are a few more ideas.

It’s O.K. to raid your 72 hour kit… That’s right, 72 hour kits are not just for earthquakes and hurricanes but for any emergency. Your kit should include Instant Cold Packs. Now is the time to use these to help cool an overheated person or to help cool the body so you can sleep. Place them on the neck or forehead for the best results. Glow Sticks are great to provide night lights in the bathroom or a child’s bedroom during a power outage, common during a heat wave. Glow sticks are much safer than candles and won’t run down batteries in your flashlights. A battery powered or crank Radio will allow you to remain aware of any weather updates or in the case of a power outage, will allow you to receive the latest news concerning the reestablishment of power. Mylar Blankets placed in the sunniest windows will cut down on the heat entering your home. Move the blankets as the sun moves. You will be amazed at how quickly the temperature in a room will drop when you cover your windows with these blankets. Mylar blankets are also great to use outdoors to create shade as they reflect the sun’s rays.
Eat cold foods. This is the time to eat sandwiches, salads and other foods that are not heated. Avoid large portions of protein foods as they will increase body temperature. Eat smaller, more frequent meals.
Cook outdoors if you feel you must have a hot meal. You can do just about anything on your outdoor grill that you can do on your stove. Take out a skillet, a griddle, and a pot to prepare your meal outdoors. Crock pot cooking is also a great way to keep the heat outside. Just take the whole thing outside and (if you have electricity) plug it into an outlet on the patio.
Move activities, including eating and sleeping, to the coolest room in the house. This will normally be on the lowest level of your home and in a room with an exposure that does not receive direct sunlight.
This is one time when you shouldn’t be concerned with how much television the family watches. Play board games or read, but don’t be too active.
Use your outdoor umbrellas outside the windows receiving direct sun. Outdoor canopies, tarps and dining flies also work well.
Install ceiling fans and/or sit next to a fan. Remember fans do not cool the air, they only move it. You become cooler as the moisture on your skin evaporates. This is the reason you want to stay wet!
Work outside early in the day, before 11:00 AM or late in the day, after 7:00PM.
Skip the exercise routine. Even if you exercise indoors, be careful not to get overheated before going outside.
Go Shopping! No kidding. Go to the grocery store or mall and window shop. Under some circumstances they may have the air conditioning cranked up and it may not be cooler, but if it is, shop slowly. Taking in a movie or going bowling are also “cool” pastimes.
Check on housebound and elderly – neighbors and friends – and get them to a cooler location. Remember to make sure they are prepared for a hot night also.

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