In some places, access to air conditioning is virtually non-existent. Surviving a heat wave, especially when it comes to the elderly and children, becomes a serious problem and one that needs to be addressed.
Don’t underestimate the power of the elements. We must be aware that if we do not take the necessary measures, it is possible to suffer negative effects that could threaten our life.
Let’s go deeper.
What effect can a heat wave have if you don’t have air conditioning?
To identify the effects of the heat, you need to pay attention to sunstroke, cramps, dehydration and the worsening of health problems already suffered.
You need to be especially careful of heatstroke, because when it occurs, the body is unable to regulate its temperature. Second reports the Mayo Clinic, the following symptoms are observed:
- Hot, red and dry skin.
- Nausea and intense thirst.
- Drowsiness or aggression.
- Loss of consciousness and seizures.
When this happens, The affected person must be transferred to a health centre..
Tips for dealing with a heat wave
During heatwave days, if you don’t have air conditioning, you need to cool down even if you don’t feel like it. Moreover, It is essential to protect yourself from direct exposure to the sun.
Also, try to avoid exercising in hotter areas and take advantage of the early hours of sunrise or sunset.
On the other hand, adapt your activities to the new situation. Take care of the older and younger onessince they are the two sections of the population most sensitive to the effects of a heat wave.
Other tips that will come in handy are these:
- Stay as long as possible in cool, shaded or heated places.
- Avoid exposure to the sun in the central hours of the day (from 12 to 18). As well as the prolonged exposure or sleeping in the sun.
- Adequately protect skin, head and eyes with clothing, hats or caps and sunglasses.
What to do to survive a heat wave if you don’t have air conditioning?
1. Remove unnecessary heat sources
It is important not to generate more heat than is already entering the house. Because of this, we have to turn off or move electrical equipment when we’re not using it, and turn off unnecessary lights.
Light bulbs are another source of heat generation. Avoid turning them on as much as possible, or at least not all at the same time, and use low consumption ones led.
2. Keep blinds down and curtains closed.
If the atmosphere on the street is cool in the early morning, you can open the windows to renew the air. When it’s sunny and temperatures rise, it’s advisable to close the windows and lower the blinds.
If you have a balcony, it could be useful to open an awning to prevent the sun’s rays from penetrating inside.
3. Use a fan and some ice
With a fan, ice and salt you can get a homemade replacement for traditional air conditioning. Because of this, put a metal bowl with ice and go out in front of a fan.
It will refresh you a lot and relieve the stuffy feeling.
4. Generates slight air currents
Those windows where the air comes out should be fully open. On the contrary, the windows through which the air enters should be opened only a little. In this case they must be those facing internal patios, where the air is less.
As, we managed to generate natural drafts in the house, entering through one window and exiting through another.
5. The ceiling fan
Ceiling fans need to be adjusted before and after the summer. With the arrival of the warmer months you have to program the fan to rotate counterclockwise.
Then, it will push down a current of air that can refresh the environment.
6. Reduce ambient humidity
Avoid cooking foods that take a long time and give off heat and water vapor that contribute to a stuffy environment. Choose salads and fruits in the daily menus, as well as constant water intake.
Similarly, even the water that evaporates in the bathroom and the clothes hanging inside charge the environment and deprive us of freshness.
7. Hands and feet in cold water
When we see our temperature rise, it is advisable to dive the dolls in cold water for a few minutes. Do the same with your feet and refresh your face and neck as well. This can help relieve the feeling of heat.
Contact your doctor
If for any reason you start to notice any of the symptoms described above, contact your doctor quickly. You could be suffering from heatstroke, which could be life-threatening.
Try to drink plenty of water, apply cold compresses to your body, and stay in a cool, well-ventilated place. Alike, ask your family or friends for help to assist you while the doctor arrives or to take you to the hospital.
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