In +30 weather here in Winnipeg it is hard to keep cool, especially if you have no air conditioning. Some people prefer NOT to have it due to environmental concerns. Whatever the reason, there are ways to keep cool without it.

Water Fun: Get out and play in the water to keep cool. Hit the beach. Visit a city fountain park. Take the dogs for a dip. Wear sunscreen and a hat!

Cold Fan: Put a fan on the floor. Place a towel on the floor a couple of feet in front of it with a bowl of ice cubes or a couple of two-litre bottles of  frozen water. Don’t turn the fan on too high as it will cool an area more efficiently if the air is moving slower. The towel will absorb condensation.

Close your blinds: Close your blinds and curtains during the day to block the sun’s heat. As soon as the sun hits your building in the morning, close all windows and keep exterior doors and windows closed throughout the hottest part of the day. Do this until night falls and it’s cool enough to open the windows for the night.

Vent/Flue Trick: In the cooler evening turn on your bathroom and stove vent fans or open the flue in your fireplace. This will suck out warm air and cause cooler evening air to come in.

These are just a few. There are lots more to be found on the net.

Heat Warnings!

Babies, children, pregnant women, and the elderly are all much more prone to overheating than others. Be sure to keep an eye on members of your family, co-workers, and neighbors. Also, as you age, your body does not regulate temperature as well as it used to (even if you stay fit) and your skin may not be able to sweat. Be cautious and see if you can relax in an air-conditioned place for a while.

Never leave children or pets in cars alone for any amount of time.

A person with heatstroke or sunstroke may feel cool and clammy to the touch since their body is attempting to cool down. They may not be aware they have heatstroke. If a person seems slow, confused, or even claims to be “cold”, get them out of the sun immediately, seat them in an air-conditioned room or a tub, and give them cool beverages.

Never drink alcohol to try to stay cool.

If you experience symptoms of heat stroke or dehydration, call 911 or other emergency personnel and seek professional assistance. A body temperature above 104 °F (40 °C) is life-threatening and fatal if it reaches 113 °F (45 °C).

In many areas, high day temperatures can set off afternoon thunderstorms. Be prepared for such weather situations.

While it is rarely a problem for individuals with good health, over-hydration is a possibility for individuals with heart, liver or kidney problems. If you have any serious health problems, be mindful of how much water you drink, since your kidneys may not be able to excrete an excessive amount of water properly.

Heat is often the uncomfortable companion of drought. If there are water restrictions in your area, make sure you consider them before implementing any of the water-intensive suggestions above. Failure to comply may get you a hefty fine or even jail time.