As the weather gets warmer, it’s important to know how to keep you, your loved ones and your pets cool this summer. We have put together some helpful tips when the temperature rises.
Take lukewarm or cool showers
- By taking a cooler shower, this can bring your body temperature down.
- By letting yourself air-dry, rather than using a towel, can create a cooling effect on your skin.
During a heatwave, close your windows, curtains and blinds.
- By keeping the windows shut when the country is experiencing a heatwave, it will keep the warmer air out of your home.
- Use blinds and curtains to keep the sunshine out of your rooms.
- When the sun goes down, open the windows to let the cooler air in.
- Stay hydrated.
- Make sure to stay hydrated during the warmer weather. It is recommended adults drink 2 litres of water a day.
- By eating cooler foods such as fruit, cold salads and chilled soups, will not only keep you hydrated, but will also save you from having to use your oven, which could make your home even warmer.
Use an electric fan (and use it well)
- Electric fans are relatively cheap to run and will instantly cool you down.
- Remember, the fan will not decrease the air temperature, so don’t leave a fan in an empty room, as you will waste energy.
- Position your fan either at the same height as you or lower than you. This will ensure the cooler air will reach you, rather than warmer air pushing down on you.
Remember to dress cool
- Try to wear thin, cotton-based loose clothing to stay cool.
- At night, you might think it’s better to not wear anything, but wearing thin loose clothing will act as a sweat barrier between you and your bed sheets, which will help you feel cooler.
Don’t forget your pets!
- Keep pets inside during the hottest hours.
- If you do have your pets outside, make sure they have shade and water.
- Never exercise pets when the temperature is very high. A regular walk could become a medical emergency.
- Never leave your pet in a parked vehicle.
- Always test pavements, footpaths and slabs in gardens and communal areas. If it’s too hot on your hand, it’s too hot for your pet.
- If you see a pet in distress, please contact the RSPCA.