(WTXL) — It's hot outside. You can't deny it or ignore it, but, if you're strategic, you might beat it.
We've compiled some summer life hacks to help stay cool this July 4th holiday weekend and beyond.
Staying cool is an inside and outside job. Many people have an air conditioning unit at home and of course that's a big help, but what if you don't or you're going to be outside for the Fourth of July holiday festivities?
If you are driving to your destination this weekend, there's something experts say you need to know to stay cool in the car: Use the re-circulation button.
"Essentially, what it does is recirculate the air that is coming into the cabin. So without it on you are just getting the summertime air," said Matt Cohen, the general manager of Werner Hyundai. "With it on, it's going to take that air it's going to go through the air conditioning system, cool it and then recirculate that cool air and make it even colder as cold as it can get."
So instead of the air conditioner pulling the hot air into the car to cool it, it uses the cool air already in the car and recirculates it. Your car then stays cooler and doesn't have to work as hard, which can lower your fuel economy.
"In the summertime months, that re-circulation button can actually save you some gas money," said Cohen.
The elderly are especially susceptible to dehydration and heat stroke. Elder Care Services in Tallahassee is on a mission to make sure our local seniors stay cool.
"We have a collection of fans that various members of the common have donated," said Nicole Ballas, the director of fund development at Elder Care Services. "We have box fans and smaller fans that can go in various rooms in the house."
The fans are free. Elder Care also has two portable air conditioning units that they lend out to those in need.
We've also found some more helpful tips to help you beat the heat this summer:
- If you are staying inside to avoid the high temps, consider blackout curtains to keep out the sun
- Soak a sponge in water and freeze it for a refreshing way to cool your brow
- Fill a hot water bottle with cold water, freeze it, then wrap it in a towel. It may help keep your bed cool
- Set your ceiling fans to rotate counter-clockwise to create a cool breeze
- Fill an ice tray with aloe vera gel and freeze the tray to create aloe ice cubes
- And don't forget the first line of defense: Stay hydrated!
"Keep as much water as you can," said Ballas. "keep the fans going and make sure you are staying inside or in the shade so you aren't in the direct sun."
If you are outside, pick up a cooling towel, like a Frog Tog, at a sporting goods store to put on the back of your neck in the heat. If you are going to be in the direct sunlight, consider shading yourself with a small hand-held umbrella.
For more information about how seniors can get a free fan or borrow a stand up A/C unit from Elder Care Services, click here.
