With the recent record-breaking heat wave reaching the Pacific Northwest, many are unprepared and without the know-how to keep themselves cool. Temperatures all around the northwest have climbed to over 100 degrees, including the Palouse. Here are a few options and reminders to keep yourselves and your pets cool.
#1: Stay in one area as much as possible
Set up your air conditioning and/or fans in one area of your living space and stay there as much as you can. Close all other doors so the area you are in will cool down faster.
#2: Keep your windows shut and covered
Don’t let the heat in. Close the windows, put the blinds down and close the curtains. You can also put reflectors like aluminum foil or a sunshade in the windows.
#3: Create air circulation
Set up multiple box fans and/or air conditioning units in one area. When the outside temperature cools down at night, open the windows back up.
#4: Stay hydrated
Make sure to have cold water bottles handy and remember to fill up your ice cube trays. Put several bottles in the fridge at a time so you don’t run out. Also consider using hydration multipliers like Liquid IV or Pedialyte. Eat water-rich foods for cooling effects, such as citrus fruits, grapes, berries, cucumbers, watermelon or a combination of these in a smoothie. Ice cream and popsicles are also great options.
#5: Freeze water bottles, towels and bandanas
Place them around your neck, forehead and wrists to lower your body temperature. Remember to put multiple in the freezer so you can switch them out.
#6: Wear light and loose-fitting clothing
Try and stick to loose, breathable clothing to cool down easier. Moisture-wicking clothing and/or exercise clothing is optimal.
#7: Keep your vehicle cool
Try to find shady parking areas and leave your windows cracked when you turn your car off. If you have one, remember to put a sunshade up in your windshield.
#8: Remember to keep your animals cool
Keep their water filled consistently, and consider adding ice cubes, either for them to munch on or to cool it down even more. Don’t leave your pets outside and take them out very briefly to use the bathroom. Put cool towels down for them to lay on and be aware of signs of heat stroke in your animal.
#9: Make use of cooling stations around your area
In the Moscow area, there are cooling stations available to the public. The Hamilton Indoor Recreation Center is extending its hours for the coming week, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays and 12-10 p.m. on weekends. Other cooling stations open to the public include Eastside Market Place, First Presbyterian Church, Palouse Mall, Trinity Baptist Church and Venture Church.
Visit the CDC’s website for more information on heat stroke and heat exhaustions and proper care tips.
Bailey Brockett can be reached at [email protected]