Chill out in this sweltering Lowveld heat with these easy steps:
- Keep your house cool by closing curtains and blinds during the day to block direct sunlight.
- Close windows once the air outside is warmer than indoors.
- At night, purge the accumulated hot air by opening windows and doors.
- Halogen lights, dishwashers, cooking appliances and dryers all produce heat. Avoid using them during the hottest part of the day.
- Heat rises. If you have a two-storey house, stay downstairs.
- Keep a jug of drinking water in the fridge. A gulp of ice cold water is refreshing and cools you down.
- Stay cool from the inside out. For cooling snacks, make yoghurt, juice or pureed fruit ice lollies. Or put an ice-cream stick into a fresh, ripe banana and freeze it.
- Sitting for a while? Soak your feet in cold water.
- Electric fans create cool air using minimal electricity. For extra cooling, keep a spray bottle handy and regularly mist yourself with water.
- Don’t forget your pets: make sure they have adequate shade, ventilation and water. You might have to bring them indoors for the day.
- If you have to venture outdoors, protect yourself from the sun’s harmful UV rays by covering up with light, loose clothing, a hat and sunscreen.
Sourced from www.abc.net.au
