Staying Cool in Record Heat

It wasn’t just a day to play in the sun or head to the beach.

For people who work outdoors, it was brutal.

And in the business of heating and air, there was a high demand for air conditioning.

In fact, Marquette County Health Department health officer Fred Benzie says the AC that may seem to be a luxury is actually a necessity in this sort of weather.

Staying cool and getting work done are at opposite ends of the spectrum on days like this.

But we found quite a few people on the job in the heat.

There are quite a few ways to cool off.

If you don’t have air conditioning, use a fan to circulate the air.

If you have a ceiling fan, set it to spin counter-clockwise.

At night, when the temperature drops, open windows to bring in cool air.

As soon as the sun comes up or the air starts to heat up, shut the windows and shades and keep doors closed.

Keep your blinds or drapes closed to keep out the heat.

Turning on your oven or range can really heat up the house.

Opt for cool or refrigerated foods, eat out, or cook on an outdoor grill.

Benzie asks you to not forget to give your pets plenty of water and shade.

And don’t forget to wear sunscreen.

An SPF of at least 15 is recommended, with a re-application about every 4 hours.

To keep cool, health experts recommend plenty of non-alcoholic, non-sugary beverages.