Hot enough for ya? The National Weather Service issued a heat advisory earlier this month that included Wisconsin, with the heat index approaching 103 degrees in some parts of the state. The temperature eased enough that Wisconsin was left off the extension of the recent heat advisory issued June 26 for 24 U.S. states.
But with over two months of summer left, the threat of high temperatures combined with high humidity remains a real one, and can lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Here are some tips on how to keep you (and your pets) cool this summer, without having to deal with soaring energy bills.
Tips for Humans
When it’s hot, Public Health Madison Dane County recommends staying indoors, especially during midday. Ideally, stay in air-conditioned buildings, and if your home is not air-conditioned, consider going to a public space like a shopping mall, library, or community center to stay cool. If you have to be outside, wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing, and never sit in a parked car.
Stay hydrated! Drink water even if you don’t feel thirsty. If you’re working or exercising outside, drink two to four cups of water every hour. Avoid alcohol and drinks containing high amounts of sugar.
Check your local news for extreme heat warmings and safety tips. Check on friends and family, especially those who are most susceptible to high temperatures, including children, the elderly, pregnant people, and those with chronic health conditions.
Tips for Pets
Even seemingly healthy pets can suffer from dehydration and heat stroke. Like with humans, younger and older animals are more susceptible, but so are breeds with flatter faces, like pugs, bulldogs, and Persian cats.
Symptoms of heat stroke include excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, fever, vomiting, seizures, and collapse. Call your veterinarian if you are concerned your pets have heatstroke.
The Dane County Humane Society says to give your pets extra water and find new ways to help them cool off. Put ice cubes in their water bowls, close the blinds or curtains, and leave a fan where a pet can enjoy the freeze. Give them a brush to help them keep cool and avoid skin irritations. They’d love a special cooling treat – filling a Kong with wet food or peanut butter and then freezing it will not only keep them cool, but it’s a lot of fun!
Take your walks outside in the morning or evening when it’s cooler outside, and don’t leave your pet outside for more than a few minutes, even in the shade. Avoid hot sidewalks or other surfaces that may injure their paws. And while most people know not to leave a pet alone inside a car, even for a few minutes, another auto-related concern is dogs eating coolant that has leaked from a car.
Tips for Your Energy Bill
If you want to stay on top of your energy costs, Alliant Energy suggests seeing if you can set your thermostat at 78 degrees during the day, a little higher at night, and turn it off when you’re not in the house. Of course, your top priority should be staying safe and healthy.
Keep your shades closed, take cooler showers and adjust your water heater settings to 120 degrees.
Clean or change your AC filters, and call a professional for an AC tuneup. Clear space around the vents so the AC can move air more easily while using less energy.
