Tips: beat the heatwave
What do you do when the a heatwave strikes? Keep calm, we have twelve top tips to help you cool down.
It might not look like it in areas like Durban - but SA is not only going through a drought, but a heat wave is bashing us too… So - with that in mind we have a few tips for you to cool down and take it easy as this odd weather hits us:
1. Sunscreen - yes it sounds obvious, but you actually should put in on daily, not only when you hit the beach.
2. Drink water - Lots of it. Again, obvious right? Wrong. Avoid those fizzy drink re-hydration emergencies at your local petrol station and carry around some water with you.
3. Keep windows and curtains closed during the day - It traps cool air inside
and keeps heat out. Best to close up as the sun rises.
4. Open windows at night to let cool air in. If it’s safe enough - keep doors and
windows open till bedtime. Again - safety first in this case.
5. Avoid cooking on a stove or oven - You probably mumbling "what will I eat smart ass?", well you can eat fresh food, and cold foods if available.
6. 10am-2pm is the red zone - when it comes to being in the sun. Avoid being
exposed if possible.
7. Take a cold shower - Water shortages are an issue. Meet
the neighbours, jump in their pool. Share dinner as payment, or shower with
a friend. Open to interpretation of course.
8. Pulse points - Neck, wrist and feet are pulse points. Cool them down and you are winning.
Again. See point 7
9. Home-made Air con - Freeze water bottles then put them in front of your fan. Instant make shift
air con.
10. Sprits - Yes. It’s fine to be seen spraying your face with water from a fine
hazey water bottle thingy.
11. Clothing - Loose fitting clothes prevent sweat and overheating.
12. Working hours - If you can work flexible hours try work early mornings and late evenings.
This of course rules out a lot of people but hey, its worth trying.
1. Sunscreen - yes it sounds obvious, but you actually should put in on daily, not only when you hit the beach.
2. Drink water - Lots of it. Again, obvious right? Wrong. Avoid those fizzy drink re-hydration emergencies at your local petrol station and carry around some water with you.
3. Keep windows and curtains closed during the day - It traps cool air inside
and keeps heat out. Best to close up as the sun rises.
4. Open windows at night to let cool air in. If it’s safe enough - keep doors and
windows open till bedtime. Again - safety first in this case.
5. Avoid cooking on a stove or oven - You probably mumbling "what will I eat smart ass?", well you can eat fresh food, and cold foods if available.
6. 10am-2pm is the red zone - when it comes to being in the sun. Avoid being
exposed if possible.
7. Take a cold shower - Water shortages are an issue. Meet
the neighbours, jump in their pool. Share dinner as payment, or shower with
a friend. Open to interpretation of course.
8. Pulse points - Neck, wrist and feet are pulse points. Cool them down and you are winning.
Again. See point 7
9. Home-made Air con - Freeze water bottles then put them in front of your fan. Instant make shift
air con.
10. Sprits - Yes. It’s fine to be seen spraying your face with water from a fine
hazey water bottle thingy.
11. Clothing - Loose fitting clothes prevent sweat and overheating.
12. Working hours - If you can work flexible hours try work early mornings and late evenings.
This of course rules out a lot of people but hey, its worth trying.