Trying to keep cool during a blackout can be a serious challenge. Power outages in high temperatures can be uncomfortable, inconvenient, and even dangerous, especially for children and the elderly. Though the majority of people will probably not face life threatening consequences during a power outage, it is still important that you understand how to keep your home cool during these times.
- Keep Doors and Windows CLOSED During the Day
Many people believe that if it is hot, they should open all windows and doors and this makes sense to hear it. But, in modern houses it is better to keep all windows and doors closed during the heat of the day to help keep the heat out. Then, throw open the windows from late afternoon onwards, as long as overnight temperatures are lower outside than inside. The only time you would want to open your house up during the day is if it is uninsulated as they may become too hot. Try not to let the outside air come in or the inside air go out. If you must leave, open and close the doors quickly.
- Close The Curtains
You need to try and block the sun from coming in and heating up the home. You can do this easily by closing all curtains, blinds, and shades. This could even be taken a step further by hanging up a blanket over the window, or lining it with aluminum foil and newspaper.
- Have a Cold Bath
Try taking a cold bath or shower to cool off. Air drying yourself and leaving your hair wet will help you to stay cool longer.
- Close Off the Warmest Rooms
We all have rooms in our homes that seem to be warmer than others. If you have a room like this, close it off as best as you can to try and stop the warmer air from seeping into the rest of the property.
- Hang Wet Sheets
Hanging wet sheets to cool down is nothing new. It is a method that dates all the way back to the ancient Egyptians. Damp sheets or towels hung throughout a home, or even placed on the bed for sleeping at night, cool through evaporation.
- Plant Some Trees
You probably don’t want to be planting trees during a blackout so plan ahead or move into a property that has some large trees around it. These will help shield your home from the sun’s hot rays. Moreover, trees create shade around the house, which makes the house cooler during those really hot days.
- Correct Clothing
Wear lightweight, light-coloured cotton clothes. Heat is trapped by synthetic fibres, but cotton absorbs perspiration and its evaporation causes you to feel cooler. The light colours reflect the sun’s radiation.
- Light Colored, Cotton Bedding
Get rid of thick duvets and blankets – ideally use a cotton sheet, but if you have to have a duvet, go for the lowest tog rating you can find.
Opt for natural materials in your bed and bedding. Man-made polycotton, acrylic and viscose are essentially made of plastic, so they can’t absorb moisture or conduct heat away from your body. 100-per-cent cotton sheets are a gift for hot nights.
- Seal Any Leaks Around the Home
The last thing you need is any precious cool air escaping your home so go around your property and seal any cracks that may be letting that air out.
- Battery Powered Fans
Keeping a couple of good battery powered fans and spare batteries around the home can be an easy way to keep cool air circulating.
- Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of water and sports drinks with electrolytes, and avoid caffeine and alcohol, which can dehydrate you.
- Lower Level Rooms
Hot air rises and as such your upper rooms will be warmer than the lower level rooms. Consider making up camp downstairs. If you have a basement, heading their during the day will make a big difference. Don’t forget your pets too!
- Install Attic Vents
Proper attic ventilation cools temperatures by controlling the rise of heat through (and out of) your roof.
- Spray Yourself Down
This one is a no-brainer but if you are getting too warm during the day, have a little spray bottle on hand so you can give yourself a nice cool spray.
- Evaporative Cooling Bandanas
These not only look cool but a single soak can last for hours to ensure that you stay cool too. They are lined with a super evaporative PVA material to soak up moisture and provide instant cooling relief
- Eat Small, Often
Eat small meals and eat more often. The larger the meal, the more metabolic heat your body creates breaking down the food. Avoid foods that are high in protein, which increase metabolic heat.
- Try Spicy Food
Although this may be the last thing you fancy in hot weather, curries and chillies can stimulate heat receptors in the mouth, enhance circulation and cause sweating, which cools the body down.
- Relax
Sit back, close your eyes and picture snow. Research has shown that the body reacts to these daydreams, reducing its overall temperature.
- Window Awnings
Awnings that shade the windows can be very effective at keeping any unwanted heat out.
- Open the Attic Hatch
If you’ve got an attic, try opening the hatch. Hot air rises and this will give it somewhere to go.
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