An intense heat wave has affected millions of Americans in the Midwest and Northeast this week.
The heat wave has resulted in record temperatures and growing concerns about heat-related illnesses across the region.
Temperatures in New York are expected to reach 96 degrees and Chicago broke the 1957 record, reaching 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 air conditioning.
Cover your windows
Experts advise individuals to stay away from dark fabrics of curtains and avoid wearing dark clothes
Covering windows can make a dramatic difference when it comes to making a room cooler. Try closing the blinds or using light-colored curtains to reduce each room’s exposure to direct sunlight.
Another option is to use one self-adhesive window film – a sticky plastic that works on most finishes and will last for years.
Available at several home improvement stores, this product can help control heat and glare while providing UV protection.
Use fans and adjust their settings
Fans help circulate the air in the room, keeping it cooler
Portable, standing, or ceiling fans can help circulate the air in the room, making it much cooler and more bearable during a heat wave.
Unlike AC units, which can be heavy, expensive and difficult to install, fans are often easier to purchase and transport.
Wire cutter has a guide for those looking for the perfect fan based on room size, highlighting the Midea Duo MAP14HS1TBL portable AC as one of their favorites.
Pay attention to the direction your ceiling fan spins: the US Department of Energy indicates that a ceiling fan rotating counterclockwise blows cooler air into the room.
Avoid wearing dark clothing
Dark colors absorb the sun to a large extent, causing someone to quickly warm up. Experts suggest that lighter clothing is the best solution for this
Dark clothing in colors such as black and navy blue usually absorbs more sun rays, making people feel even warmer.
On the other hand, light-colored clothing reflects more radiant energy, meaning it is a cooler option for the wearer.
To stay cooler, you should also avoid baggy clothing such as sweatshirts and sweatpants.
Use ice packs or ice masks
The neck and wrist are two areas that can help, as the ice pack circulates cool blood throughout the body
Applying ice packs to pulse points is also essential in cooling a body.
Using cold water or ice packs on the neck or wrists can help circulate cooler blood throughout the body.
Temples are another good area to get an ice pack due to the presence of the temporal artery.
For this, a face mask would also maintain body temperature.
Open windows at night
If you open the windows at night, you can create a pleasant breeze in your home
Opening windows at night can create a crosswind, which helps as temperatures cool at night.
“Opening windows on both sides allows 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.
Avoid devices
It is best to avoid dryers, irons and especially ovens during a heat wave
It is best to avoid dryers, irons and especially ovens during a heat wave.
The oven emits heat during use, just like stoves and dishwashers.
Instead of an oven the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission advises people to use a microwave and wash dishes by hand instead.
Cold showers
Cold showers can help lower overall body temperature
Cold showers can help lower overall body temperature, which is essential during a heat wave.
Still, the timing of cold showers and ice baths is essential, as experts say shocking the body with cold water too close to bedtime can keep you awake.
Stay hydrated
Sports drinks such as Powerade and Gatorade help with exhaustion and improve physical performance
One of the easiest ways to survive a heat wave is to stay hydrated and drink water or other fluids.
In addition to water, various sports drinks such as water and Gatorade can help prevent exhaustion.
Go to a cooling station
As a result of the heat wave, more than a hundred cooling centers have been opened in Phoenix, Arizona, including two night shifts
As a result of the heat wave, more cooling stations have opened in various locations, including more than 100 in Phoenix.
Cooling stations are public or private air-conditioned spaces to help people stay hydrated.
In addition to air conditioning, cooling stations can provide everyone in the facility with fresh food and water to help them stay hydrated.