10 Summer Survival Tips: Beat the Heat Without AC

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According to the 2016 Farmer’s Almanac, the United States summer temperatures will be above normal with exceptions in the Southeast, near the Gulf of Mexico, and along the spine of the Appalachians. Rainfall will be below normal in most of the nation’s midsection. Visit The Farmer’s Almanac for more extended forecast information.

Use Box Fans and Ceiling Fans to Promote Air Circulation Throughout Your Home

Opening doors in the house and using box fans to push hot air outdoors can function as an “exhaust” system and draw cooler evening air into the house. In the cooler evenings, open all windows and promote as much air circulation as possible. When the sun rises, close all doors and windows, making sure to close curtains and blinds as well, to keep the indoors cool for as long as possible. When the outside air cools to a lower temperature than inside (usually in the evenings or at night), open up the windows and turn on the fans again.

Make Water Your Best Friend

Fill buckets or basins and soak your feet. Wet towels and bandanas can have a cooling effect when worn on the shoulders or head. Take cool showers or baths, and consider using a spray bottle filled with cold water for refreshing spritzes throughout the day.

Don’t Forget to Stay Hydrated

You’ll need to consume more water than you usually do when it’s hot. If you’re sweating profusely, you will also need to replace electrolytes by eating a small amount of food with your water or by drinking specially-formulated electrolyte replacement drinks. Thirst is the first sign of dehydration; you should drink sufficient amounts of fluids before you feel thirsty in order to prevent dehydration.

Hang Out Downstairs

Since hot air rises, the upper stories of a home will be warmer than the ground floor. The first level of a home or a basement can be a cool refuge from the midday heat.

Consider Hanging a Hammock Indoors

**This particular hammock can be purchased here on Amazon**

A hammock in the home? Why not? A ‘net style’ hammock would be perfect as it provides great air circulation around your body – perfect for those hot suffocating nights. Watch the following video for instructions on how to safely install a hammock indoors. Remember that hot air rises so hang it as low as you can.

Visit Public Buildings With Air Conditioning

During the hottest hours of the day, if the heat becomes unbearable, take a trip to town and enjoy public buildings with air conditioning. Libraries, shopping malls, and movie theaters can all be good places to cool down.

Avoid Alcohol and Caffeine

Both of these substances can act as diuretics and promote dehydration. But, if you’re like me and must have your morning coffee, make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day!

Limit Your Protein

Excessive protein can increase metabolic heat and warm the body.

Don’t Forget About Your Pets’ Needs

If you’re hot, then imagine how they must feel. Giving them a cool bath or shower will help keep their body temperature down. Also, give them a cool, damp towel on a tile floor to lay on. A cool towel or washcloth laying over their skin next to a fan will also help cool your pet. Make sure they have plenty of cool water to drink as well. If your dog must stay outside, a plastic kiddie pool with cool water is great!

Know the Symptoms of Heat Stroke

Knowing the warning signs of a heat stroke is so important! Call emergency services (911) in the event of a heat emergency and try to cool the victim until help arrives.

Symptoms of a heat stroke are:

• High body temperature. A body temperature of 104 F (40 C) or higher is the main sign of heatstroke
• Altered mental state or behavior
• Alteration in sweating
• Nausea and vomiting
• Flushed skin
• Rapid breathing
• Racing heart rate
• Headache

**Portions of this article have been courtesy of medicinenet.com.

Check out these related articles from us here at Survival Life:

17 Ways to Keep Your House Cool and Save Money This Summer

Making Sure You’re Not Another Summer Statistic

And from our friends at Pioneer Settler and DIY Ready:

Keeping Your Barn Animals Cool for the Summer | Homesteading Tips For Summer Preparedness

30 Healthy Homemade Popsicles To Keep Cool This Summer

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