My grandparents didn’t have air conditioning and my parents didn't have it until I was 14. So, how did we stay cool during the Summer? Here are some basic things to consider when the temperatures and humidity increase to uncomfortable levels. Stay informed of the weather forecast. Before a warm front approaches, make preparations for these quick "cool ideas":
Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water
Avoid or limit the intake of caffeinated and alcoholic drinks which cause dehydration
Limit OUTside physical activities to early morning & evening (before 11am or after 6pm) - do INside projects in the meantime
Schedule OUTside projects that are located in the shade at various times of day (Shade Schedule)
Apply damp, cool cloths or ice to the body pulse points where the blood runs close to the skin (head, back and front of neck, stomach, forehead, temples, wrists, lower back, backs of knees, inner thigh, fronts of elbows, or upper chest)
Wear wet clothing or clothing placed in the freezer or refrigerator
Run a window box fan (blowing outside) with one open window located in a cooler area of the house [cross-ventilation]
Run a ceiling fan rotating counter-clockwise
Run a floor fan angled slighly upward (because cool air sinks)
Use a hand-fan but some say the physical body movement may make you warmer
Use a fan to blow across a bowl of ice or through a damp towel (refer to "swamp cooler" below)
Use bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans to draw out the heat from nearby rooms
Soak feet in a pan of cool water
Take an occasional cool shower, dip in a pool, pond, lake, stream, river or ocean or spray with a hose or spray bottle
Seek shade often and avoid direct sunlight
Wear natural fiber (cotton), lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing and headcover (wide-brim hat to keep sun off scalp, face, neck)
Women - wear skirts instead of pants and non-padded bra
Avoid wearing a backpack to carry things. Consider using a shoulder bag or bag with handles.
Limit your intake of food types (fat & protein) - Consume fruits, veggies, spicy foods & astringent (mouth-puckering) food & wines
Consume refrigerated or frozen foods
Some medications can raise body temperature. Research your prescription & off-the-shelf medications for this possible side effect
Take an occasional trip to air-conditioned public places like the mall, store, library, movies, car or bus to hang out in a cool place for a while
Don't be offended by Sweat/Perspiration to get the skin's natural evaporative cooling effect
Avoid cooking, cook outside, use a slow cooker to minimize ambient heat or cook meals ahead of time
Close windows & blinds/curtains (room-darkening and/or reflective) during the heat of the day & direct sunlight - open after the sun goes down
Use awnings or other external window shading that lets light through but blocks direct sun heat
When the sun goes down opening windows at both ends of the house, for cross-ventilation, to let air move freely throughout the whole structure
Avoid using heat-generating appliances like a hair dryer, stove/oven, clothes dryer (hang laundry outside, in the AM, to dry)
Unplug any appliances that still use electric even when not in use (read Killing My Electrical Vampires)
Use natural light or minimize the use of, or replace (with LEDs), hot incandescent light bulbs
Keep cooler areas of the house closed off from warmer areas - shut doors
Retreat to cooler areas in the house (basement) or well-shaded, breezy areas outside
Put smooth white fabric covers on your furniture to reflect heat and light
At night, place an icepack in the bed or under the pillow
Sleeping in a Hanging Hammock, indoors or out, provides air circulation around the body. Because hot air rises, hang as low as possible.
Use breathable bed sheets (cotton or bamboo) that keep you cool while sleeping
If living in a motor vehicle (RV, etc.) park near water (lake, ocean) & in shaded areas, use sun shades on windows & 12v fan when AC isn't running
Know the symptoms of, and treatment for, Heat Stroke
Don't forget plans and provisions for the pets and livestock - they get hot too
Consider addressing these other factors which may cause additional discomfort during hot & humid conditions:
Humidity - Lowering the humidity will help you feel cooler. Run a dehumidifier.
Allergies - Stock up on allergy medications or products to reduce in-home allergens like air filters & pollen-reducing window screen material
Insects are annoying - apply Insect Repellent to clothing (including hat) when outdoors - apply methods to prevent them from entering the home (porch screen) or dispose of them if they do (inside bug-zapper or hanging glue traps). Consider wearing bug clothing to allow air in a keep bugs away from the body.
Physical or Medical Conditions that may be exacerbated by high heat or humidity
Direct Sunlight on Exposed Skin - is harmful & may be uncomfortable. Cover all exposed skin with light weight/colored clothing. Absorbed sweat on clothing can give an evaporative (wicking) cooling effect.
Other Considerations: Invest in better windows, doors and insulation Install a Cool Roof - Cheapest method is to paint a light color Install a Green Roof Strategically Plant Trees for Shade - Keep Trimmed to Prevent Property Damage Install Awnings and Solar Screens to Shade a House - Be Careful of High Winds Use Fans to Move Cool Air From Window AC to Other parts of the House 17 Ways to Keep Your House Cool and Save Money Keeping Your Cool – When There's No Air Conditioning Stay Cool with a Misting Fan Zero-Electricity Air Cooler From Plastic Bottles Emergency DIY "Air Conditioner" Search Results [Video - Fan & Ice] [Video - Fan & Wet Towel] No-Ice Swamp Cooler* (did not work well for me but you may have a better design) [Site 1] [Site 2] [Building Instructions] [YouTube Videos] * For DIY Swamp Coolers, use wicking filter material (example), used in humidfiers, to avoid having to pump water to the top of the cooler. [Reference Link] PRODUCTS: Evaporation Cooling Products Related Resources: Off-Grid Solar Air Conditioning Off-Grid Refrigeration
[11-Cs Basic Emergency Kit] [14-Point Emergency Preps Checklist] [Immediate Steps to Take When Disaster Strikes] [Learn to be More Self-Sufficient] [The Ultimate Preparation] [P4T Main Index]
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