For all of the northerners that stood up for Texas during our freeze and said, "Don't make fun of them, they've never dealt with this before. Their infrastructure isn't made for snow and freezing."
This one is for you.
Where I live 108°F with 80% humidity with no wind is normal.
Pacific North West is dealing historic best waves 35-40°C or 95-105°F.
First of all. Don't make fun of them for bitching about the heat. Just like Texas isn't built for a freeze and our pipes burst, Pacific North West isn't built for heat and a lot of their homes don't have AC.
If you live somewhere with a high humidity like 80+ HUMIDITY IS NOT YOUR FRIEND. The "humidity makes it feel cooler" is a lie once it gets beyond a point.
If you live somewhere with a lower humidity, misters are nice to cool off outside.
Once you get over 90°F (32°C) a fan will not help you. It's just pushing around hot air. (I mean if you can't afford a small AC unit because they're expensive as hell, by all means a fan is better than nothing).
If you have pets, those portable AC units aren't safe. If your pets destroy the outtake thing, it'll leak CO2. Window units are safer.
Window AC units will let mosquitoes or other small bugs in. Sucks, but that's life.
Now is not the time to me modest. If you have to cover for religious reasons, by all means. If you don't, I've seen people wear short shorts and a swim top. It's not trashy if it keeps you from getting heat stroke.
If you do have to cover up for religious reasons, look for elephant pants or something similar. They're made with a breathable material.
Shade is better than no shade, but that shit it just diet sun after some point. Don't think shade will save you from heat stroke.
I know the "drink your water" is a fun meme now, but if you're sweating excessively you need electrolytes. Drink Gatorade, Powerade, or Pedialite PLEASE. I don't care if you're fucking sitting in one spot all day. That shit WILL save you from heat stroke.
Most importantly. RESEARCH THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HEAT STROKE AND HEAT EXHAUSTION PLEASE!
Heat exhaustion is more, "drink water and get you cooled off." Heat stroke is more "Oh my god call 911."
Be safe.
-fae
Wear a hat and regularly soak it in water. As it dries it will cool your head. Its in the mid 90s here today and my hat is drying out in an hour or so, plan accordingly.
Take your time with tasks Physical activity generates body heat and you do not need more of that.
Good curtains on your windows help keep the sun out and the ac in.
Yes.
If you can afford it, blackout curtains or really thick curtains that keeps the sun out will insulate the windows.
I needed this when I lived in an apartment where my room faced west because the setting sun was too hot and the AC couldn't keep up.
-fae
[Image description: an infographic showing the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke. The graphic is labeled "Heat Dangers: First Warning." Signs of heat exhaustion: faint or dizzy, excessive sweating, cool, pale, clammy skin, rapid, weak pulse, muscle cramps. If you think you or someone else may be experiencing heat exhaustion, get to a cool, air-conditioned place, drink water if conscious, and take a cool shower or use cold compress. Signs of heat stroke: throbbing headache, no sweating, red, hot, dry skin, rapid, strong pulse, may lose consciousness. If you think you or someone else may be experiencing heat stroke, call 911. End description]
Thank you. Reblogging for disabled followers
-fae
Please be safe, friends. I know this is aimed at those who live in the PNW but those of us who live in temps like this regularly could always use a reminder.
Also checked on loved ones, especially those who are disabled, elderly, or those with very young children.
I doubt anyone will ever see this but on the off chance someone does, here's my advice as someone who has survived a lot of hot summers with no AC:
1. This may not help much due to covid stuff, but if you can, try and spend the hottest part of the day in a library or other space with an AC.
2. Open your windows and run your fans at night so that the temperature inside equalizes with the cooler nighttime temperature. As soon as the temperature starts rising outside- even if that's at dawn- close all your windows and blinds. I've seen people recommend blackout curtains and those are also great if you have them! (NOTE: I live in an area where the temperature drops around 20 degrees every night, but even if the change in temperature isn't that dramatic this should help.)
3. Put your feet in cold water, and periodically run cool water over your wrists. I can't explain it, but it's helpful.
4. HYDRATE. If you have trouble, try and increase your intake of fruits and vegetables with lots of water content (like watermelon and lettuce). If you don't have electrolytes, try and up your salt intake ever so slightly.
5. If you have high humidity, consider a DIY swamp cooler. I've not had much luck with that, but I live in a bone dry desert so it's not that surprising.
I really hope this does help someone!
