Ways to Beat the Heat and Stay Cool
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unshine brings warmth, light and joy, but when it gets too hot, pleasure turns to misery. If you’re experiencing a severe heatwave right now, your number one priority will be to cool down, and if you anticipate severe heat to come, you’ll need to prepare. Here are some simple ways to stay cool when the temperature soars: Close all windows, drapes and blinds You may yearn for fresh air on a hot, still day, but you won’t get any through an open window. Quite the reverse: heavy, stifling air will waft in, making your rooms as hot as the environment outside. In these circumstances, you’ll need to close the windows as well as the drapes and blinds. Shut out all light and heat, and your home will start to cool down.
14 | 50+ Living | August 2021
Use fans If you have any electric fans available, put them to use as soon as the heatwave starts. If not, it may be worth buying one or more to ensure basic comfort through the hot spell. Bear in mind, though, that fans will be much in demand at this time, so get to the shops early, before supplies run out. You can also make manual fans to wave over the face and body for extra refreshment. A sheet of paper folded into pleats will serve the purpose, as will a sheaf of grasses or reeds, a large leaf, a widebrimmed hat or any stiff fabric.
