Heat waves: 14 strategies to keep cool on hot days

Sizzling It’s brutal out here! by Jennifer Walter July 22, 2022 Shutterstock

Sanja Baljkas/Moment/Getty Images Love or hate the summer heat, there are times when it’s nearly unbearable to go outside.

Heat waves not only feel intense, but they can also be deadly. Unfortunately, experts predict that periods of high heat will become more frequent and severe as the climate crisis worsens. Shutterstock

Inverse spoke with a variety of experts who specialize in disaster preparedness, public health, and HVAC system management to learn the best ways to weather the hottest days of the year.

Shutterstock Here are 14 ways to handle extreme heat:

14. Hydrate often Drinking water frequently is actually better for the body than consuming infrequently and in large quantities. Shutterstock

Alvaro Lavin/Moment/Getty Images A good rule of thumb is to consume one cup (8 ounces) of water every 15 to 20 minutes if you are working outside.

13. Hold off on outdoor exercise In high temperatures, overexertion can raise your body’s temperature to the limits. If you do want to move around outside, try walking slowly — or wait until it is below 80 degrees Fahrenheit to work out. Daniel Llao Calvet/Moment/Getty Images

12. Stay in the shade If you’re outdoors, avoid direct sunlight and wear sunscreen. And if you have to be in the sun, make sure to take frequent breaks in the shade to avoid overheating. Shutterstock

11. Cool off your skin Placing an ice cube on your wrists for five seconds every few hours can help you cool down. Applying cold compresses on the neck and forehead also helps. Shutterstock

Shutterstock Avoid taking a cold shower. It might feel nice at the moment, but it can impede your body’s ability to regulate temperature when you’re back in the heat.

10. Keep your blinds closed If you’re indoors, block out the sunlight to keep the heat from baking you in your home. Blackout shades can offer more coverage than traditional shades, and come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Shutterstock

9. Wear loose clothing Baggy is best. And wearing lighter colors that reflect sunlight, as well as certain types of fabric like linen and cotton, can help keep you cool. Shutterstock

8. Watch for signs of heat stroke As the temperature rises, the chance of heat stroke — a condition where the body can no longer cool itself down — also goes up. Heat stroke can be deadly, especially for elderly folks. Shutterstock

-Confusion

Shutterstock Here are some warning signs to watch out for:

7. Fans can (sometimes) help Using a fan to circulate air can be a huge help on a moderately hot day. But when it’s above 95 degrees Fahrenheit, you won’t get the same cooling effect. Shutterstock

6. Find a local cooling center If it’s too hot at home, look for a designated cooling center in your area. If there aren’t any close by, try going to a library, mall, movie theater, or other indoor spots with air conditioning. Shutterstock

5. Change your AC filters If you do have air conditioning, it’s best to change your filters at least every 2 to 3 months, but more frequent swaps can help keep things running in optimal shape during extremely hot days. Shutterstock

4. Watch out for others Don’t forget to check in on friends, family, and neighbors during extremely hot days — especially those who are elderly and live alone. Shutterstock

3. Plan Ahead Keep an eye on the forecast and sign up for weather alerts, as well as emergency text and email alerts from local city or town officials. Shutterstock

2. Prepare for blackouts Extreme heat, demand for energy, and severe weather can strain the electrical grid, so don’t be surprised if you lose power during a heat wave. Shutterstock

-Shelf-stable food

Shutterstock Here are some items you may want to have on hand:

1. Don’t neglect your pets! If you’re hot, your furry friends are definitely hot as well. Check out our guide to cooling down your dog for a full list of handy tips. Shutterstock

Shutterstock For more in-depth info on preparing for extreme heat, click here.

Heat waves: 14 strategies to keep cool on hot days

Inverse spoke with a variety of experts who specialize in disaster preparedness, public health, and HVAC system management to learn the best ways to weather the hottest days of the year.

-Confusion

-Slurred speech

-Feeling shaky

-Feeling disoriented

-Excessive thirst

-A general feeling of discomfort

-Upset stomach or nausea

-Shelf-stable food

-Water

-Batteries

-A phone charger or portable energy supply

-A first aid kit

-A flashlight

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