Beat the Heat- Updated Drought Links/info
1. Try to find indoor rescue areas
during heat waves such as a library, a store or visitor s center. If you have to be outside, I have an umbrella
over me to keep the sun off. Sunscreen
can only do so much and I feel cooler with the umbrella. A light color umbrella is best to deflect
heat. There may be exceptionally heat
deflective umbrellas at a sporting good store.
I manage to survive with my basic umbrella (even though it is black).
Also, get tasks done in the early morning before the heat sets in. If you are an incurable night owl , then
wait until the evening to do as much as you can. Use a store to get cash back
rather than an ATM as this saves time and may be a safer option.
2.
These are some ideas that I am told were shared by TikTok creator @dealsbymax. Among strategies to keep cool, is to place a pillowcase or lightweight top sheet in a sealed bag and chill it in the freezer for 15 to 20 minutes before bed. The cooling effect doesn't last all night, but it can make it easier to fall asleep. You can also do this with your clothing during the day.
3.
Breathable fabrics matter too. Cotton and linen generally feel cooler than synthetic materials, especially when it's humid. Many people also find that reducing the number of layers and keeping their feet uncovered helps prevent overheating.
4.
Fans don't lower the temperature, but they can make a room feel more comfortable.
5.
Use of thermal solar styrofoam panels (foam core radiant barries) can greatly help reduce heat in the home. Solar mesh which is a flexible screen like material can block up to 70 to 90 percent of heat and UV rays in the home.
6.
Do online banking and direct
deposit banking to save on gas costs.
When you are planning to do shopping, try to plan all of your tasks in
one direction to save on extra driving. For example. If PGE is on the way to the store, I pay my
bill on the way to the store. 7. Be sure to clean your cooling
system frequently. If you live in dusty
areas, you may need to do it as often as every 2 weeks. Check your filter every few days to get an
idea of how often it needs to be changed to use as a basis for cleaning. IMPORTANT!!!
Keep warranties for your cooling system up to date. If it is too old to cover it, it may be a
better option to replace as there are many more energy efficient models now
available. 8. Clean under the refrigerator and
make sure to keep the door fully shut.
The higher the frig runs, the more hot air that blows out of the
back. At least my model does this. Since of course I like things ice cold, then
I compensate by reducing lighting and use thermal curtains to keep excessive
sunlight out. 9. If you are building a house, consider
to add sufficient insulation. PGE may
offer rebates for this and other energy saving ideas that is on PG&E s
website. For existing houses, using some
thermal tape at a hardware store to prevent leaks from outside hotter air while
keeping it cool inside is a money saver and a way to stay cool. (I still allow some fresh air from outside
for health reasons. This is something I
do myself and again it depends on the quality of the air in your area to decide
if this is worthwhile for you.) 10. Water the lawn in early morning and
late evening. I do a light watering to
save on water costs. I also catch extra
water by, for example, when turning on a faucet I already have my water spray
unit to water the plants to avoid waste.
You can google into methods of safe gray water reclamation, then get a
plumber you trust who has experience in water reclamation systems. I use watering stakes 3+ ft. in ground to water trees, avoiding run-off. YourThere are also extra water saving tips on Save Our WaterandEasy Ways to Save in Hard Times. 11. This is a touchy subject, but I am
currently overweight. When overweight,
one tends to get hotter. I am trying
early morning and/or evening walks and reduce eating after 12. If you live in a humid area as I
once did in Orlando, Florida, I ended up doing A LOT of swimming to keep cool
and running the air-conditioner. A
dehumidifier in addition to the air-conditioner might be useful. Again, I use
to live there and had to do many early morning activities to avoid extra
humidity and sunlight. Good luck and hope this helps you
to beat the heat!