How to stay cool during extreme heat

We all love it when the weather is nice and warm but it’s important to stay cool during extreme heat. Otherwise, there is a risk of heat exhaustion or heatstroke which can be medical emergencies.

Here are some tips for staying cool during extreme heat.

• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water
• Wear light and loose clothing
• Avoid caffeine and alcohol as this actually increases dehydration
• Have a cool (but not cold) bath or shower
• Wait until the cooler parts of the day before exercising
• Fill spray bottles with cold water and spray yourself when necessary
• Visit an air-conditioned environment such as a shopping centre, cafe, library or public building
• Make a DIY aircon by placing a glass of iced water in front of a fan
• Wrap a cool damp towel around your neck
• In the morning and evening when it is cooler open the windows to let cool air circulate through your house
• Close blinds or curtains to stop direct sunlight from getting into your house
• Switch off lights and electrical equipment that arent in use as these generate heat
• If you are travelling outside take a bottle of water, apply sunscreen and try to keep to the shade
• Stay out of the sun during the hottest part of the day (between 11AM-2PM)
• Freeze your bedsheets by placing them in a plastic bag and then putting them in the freezer for a few minutes before you go to bed
• Leave the inside doors open to allow the air to travel throughout your house
• Hot air rises so consider sleeping downstairs
• If you have a dog take them for a walk in the morning or evening when the ground is cooler

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