With the mercury breaking records this week and summer well and truly here before its time, Aussies are stocking up on ice and setting their air conditioners to high – while hoping the electricity grid copes.
Key Points:
- Heatwaves and hot weather have caused more deaths in Australia than any other disaster.
- If your house is too hot, consider visiting the local library or shopping centre.
- It’s important to remember that what might feel like normal summer weather to some can be very dangerous for others.
According to the Australian Red Cross, heatwaves and hot weather have caused more deaths in Australia than any other disaster.
Thankfully, there are some simple things we can all do to stay cool.
1. Cover your windows
Do what you can to keep your home closed to sunlight.
By closing your blinds and curtains, you’re getting a head start on the day. Curtains with light or white coloured backing are most effective.
For even cooler coverage, consider spraying your curtains with water throughout the day – or even hang soaked sheets in their place, spraying them throughout the day to keep them damp.
External window coverings or awnings stop the sunlight from hitting the windows, providing even better protection from the heat. And if you don’t have external window coverings, consider using a blanket or tarpaulin to cover your windows externally.
For best results, close everything early in the day, before the temperature gets too hot and then open it all up again before you go to bed, to allow the heat to escape.
2. Maximise air flow
If you’re running the air conditioner, keep the doors closed to trap the cool air. But if you’re using fans, leaving doors open will help with air flow.
For an extra cool breeze, try spritzing water into the air or onto your skin, or place a bowl of ice in front of the fan, allowing it to blow extra cool air around the room.
If you’re running the air conditioner, keep the doors closed to trap the cool air. But if you’re using fans, leaving doors open will help with air flow.
3. Wear natural fabrics
Whether at night or during the day, natural fabric clothing is your best friend.
Cotton – and other natural fibres like linen and silk – allow your skin to breath and provide a natural barrier between your body and the heat, as well as soaking up any sweat.
Select light coloured fabrics for best results.
4. Keep your wrists cool
Interestingly, by cooling your wrists, you cool the rest of your body.
According to abc.net.au, running your wrists or the inside of your arms under cold water for about 30 seconds, is a great way too cool down, because this is where the blood flows closest to the surface of your skin.
Alternatively, wristbands soaked in cold water will have a similar effect.
By cooling your wrists, you cool the rest of your body.
5. Wet hair helps
By washing your hair and skipping the hair dryer, or simply running your hair under water, you’re giving yourself an inbuilt cooling system.
Simply towel dry your hair, leaving as much moisture as possible, without causing dripping.
Standing in front of a fan with the air blowing on through your hair will really speed up the cooling effect.
If your house is too hot, consider visiting the local library or shopping centre.
6. Keep wet cloths on hand
Draping wet cloths around your neck will also act like a built-in cooling system.
Some people like to take it a step further, by soaking their entire outfit in water and enjoying the drop in temperature.
7. Ice bucket
Resting your feet in a bowl of icy water is a great way to keep your temperature down.
8. Enjoy salads and light meals
Salads and fruit platters are staples for hot days. Take a look at some of our best recipes for ideas.
The QLD Government encourages us to eat smaller meals, more regularly throughout the day and try to avoid too much protein-rich food which can increase your body heat and fluid loss.
9. Use public facilities
If your house is too hot, consider visiting the local library or shopping centre.
The air conditioning will provide relief – and often during heat waves, libraries are open longer, to facilitate those needing a cool refuge.
It’s important to remember that what might feel like normal summer weather to some can be very dangerous for others.
10. Check on your neighbours
It’s important to remember that what might feel like normal summer weather to some can be very dangerous for others.
So, check in on your neighbours or friends who may be more susceptible.
And if your air conditioner is keeping your home cool, perhaps offer to have them over to enjoy the reprieve.
10b. Check on your pets
If you’re not home during the day, make sure they have plenty of water and shade throughout the different parts of the day. Adding ice to their water will help the water stay cooler and try to check on them when you can.
Placing dishes or buckets of water around your property will also be helpful for wild animals and birds seeking hydration.
Most importantly, if you’re not feeling well, contact your local doctor, hospital or health professional.
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