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How to stay cool in a heatwave WITHOUT air conditioning
An intense heatwave has affected millions of Americans this week in the Midwest and Northeast.
The heatwave has resulted in record-breaking temperatures and a growing concern of heat related illnesses across the region.
The temperature in New York is set to be as high as 96 degrees and Chicago broke its 1957 record, and hit 97 degrees on June 17, according to The New York Times.
Here are some essential tips on how to stay cool when you don't have access to AC.
Cover Your Windows
Experts advise individuals to stay away from dark fabrics from curtains and avoid wearing dark clothing
Covering windows can make a dramatic difference when it comes to making a room cooler. Try closing blinds or using light-colored curtains to lessen each room's exposure to direct sunlight.
Another option is to use a self adhesive window film - a sticky plastic that works on most finishes and lasts for years.
This product is available at various home improvement stores, and it can help control heat and glare while providing UV protection.
Use Fans and Adjust Their Settings
Fans help to circulate the air in the room, keeping it cooler
Portable, pedestal, or ceiling fans can help circulate air in the room, making it much cooler and more bearable during a heat wave.
Unlike AC units, which can be heavy, expensive, and tricky to install, fans are often easier to purchase and transport.
Wirecutter has a guide for those searching for their perfect fan based on room size, and highlighted the Midea Duo MAP14HS1TBL portable AC as one of their favorites.
Pay attention to the direction that your ceiling fan spins - the US Department of Energy indicates that a ceiling fan that spins counterclockwise will push cooler air into the room.
Avoid Wearing Dark Clothing
Dark colors absorbs the sun at a heavy rate, which causes someone to become warm at a rapid rate. Experts suggest lighter clothing to be the best solution for this
Dark clothing in colors like black and navy blue tend to absorb more sun rays, making people feel even hotter.
On the other hand, light-colored clothing reflects more radiant energy, which means it will be a cooler option for the wearer.
One should also avoid baggy clothing such as sweatshirts and sweatpants in order to stay cooler.
Use Ice Packs or Ice Masks
One's neck and wrist are two areas that will help since the ice pack circulates cool blood throughout the body
Applying ice packs to pulse points is also essential when cooling a body down.
Using cool water or ice packs on the neck or wrists can help to circulate cooler blood throughout the body.
Temples are another good area to stick an icepack due to presence of the temporal artery.
For this, a facemask would also do the trick in maintaining body temperature.
Open Windows at Night
Opening windows at night can help create a pleasant breeze inside the home
Opening windows at night can create a cross breeze, which will help when temperatures cool down at night.
'When windows are opened on both sides, it allows for a breeze to flow through, pushing out warm, stale air and drawing in cooler, fresh air,' according to Color-based Five Seasons Windows and Doors.
Avoiding Appliances
It's best to avoid dryers, irons, and especially ovens during a heat wave
It's best to avoid dryers, irons, and especially ovens during a heat wave.
The oven will give off heat when in use, as will stoves and dishwashers.
Instead of an oven the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission advises people to use microwaves instead and to hand wash any dishes.
Cold Showers
Cold showers can help to lower overall body temperature
Cold showers can help to lower overall body temperature, which is essential during a heatwave.
Still, the timing of cold showers and ice baths is essential, as experts say that shocking the body with cold water too close to bed time can keep you awake.
Stay Hydrated
Sports drinks such as Powerade and Gatorade will help in exhaustion and improve physical performance
One of the simplest ways to survive a heat wave is to stay hydrated and drink water or any other fluids.
Besides water, various sports drinks like water and Gatorade can help prevent exhaustion.
Go to a Cooling Station
More than 100 cooling centers were opened in Phoenix, Arizona as a result of the heatwave, including two all-night services
More cooling stations have been opening in various locations due to the heatwave, over 100 of them being in Phoenix.
Cooling stations are public or private spaces that have air conditioning to help individuals stay hydrated.
Other than air conditioning, cooling stations can provide fresh food and water for anyone at the facility to help them stay hydrated.