One way to beat the heat, circa 1937.
With a large part of the U.S. under a heat dome, we’re sending help the best way we know how: with expert advice on staying safe, cooling off, and protecting against power outages. If you’re in an affected area, we feel you; during the July Fourth heat wave, temps at our headquarters in Yonkers, NY, reached triple digits.
So in addition to the best fans and air conditioners, top cooling blankets and cooling pillows, plus a whole slew of items to make summer more comfortable (including misting fans), we have insights on the most efficient way to cool your home, how to make sure your generator is ready for action, and how to keep your energy bills under control.
We also want to point you to a comprehensive article by CR writers Janet Siroto and Justin Krajeski on handling just about every aspect of extreme heat. It starts with a warning that when it comes to temperature, numbers are not the whole picture (aka, “it’s not the heat—it’s the humidity”):
According to the National Weather Service, a temperature of 90° F at 75 percent humidity will feel like 109° F on the heat index, an estimate of how hot it feels when air temperature and relative humidity are combined.
The story covers all the basics, like how best to utilize your air conditioner, and what tweaks to make to your living space to maximize performance. But it also delivers unexpected insights, like the value of an air purifier in extreme weather:
High heat can diminish indoor air quality, increasing particulate pollution. An air purifier can significantly reduce such compounds. Also, be aware that a KF94 or KN95 mask may not be your best friend in hot weather when air quality is poor during events like wildfires…. Wear a surgical mask instead.
There’s expert advice on managing spotty power (including a list for a suggested Power Outage Supply Kit you can assemble yourself). A sampling:
During a brownout, unplug. Minimize electrical use by unplugging nonessential items (computers not in use, TVs) and using the AC as little as possible.
If the power goes out, follow these tips. Stay on the lowest level of your home because heat rises. Keep the shades or curtains closed during the day to block the sun’s warming rays, and position battery-operated fans near cooler, shaded sides of your home. Keep your fridge and freezer shut as much as possible. (The refrigerator will keep food cold for only about 4 hours; a full freezer will maintain its temperature for about 48 hours.)
Your mom or your super-responsible friend has already nagged you about drinking plenty of water in a heat wave; our reporters get specific:
You’ll want to drink about a cup every 90 minutes. (Ramp that up to a cup every half-hour if you’re working or exercising outside.) Remember that thirst isn’t the best indicator of when to drink; by the time you get thirsty, you’re already dehydrated…. Skip caffeine and alcohol, which are diuretics that draw moisture from the body. If you find it hard to hydrate as much as you should, set phone alerts to remind you.
The article gets into car safety and efficiency, too, warning against taking your car’s cooling system for granted:
When the AC is pumped to the max, your car can feel like a chilly oasis. But if something goes wrong, the interior temperature can climb to dangerous levels very quickly. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, temperatures can rise almost 20° F in the first 10 minutes, even with a window cracked.
Also covered are signs of heat-related illnesses. This article is definitely not all fun and games. But that’s the point. A heat wave is no joke. Preparation and responsible choices are key. Thank you for coming to our TED Talk.
Read the full article, free to all, for details. And check out our stories on weather-related emergencies for more.
Stay safe out there!
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