With most of the world experiencing a heatwave, ZEN gives advice on how to stay cool in the city.
- Stay in the shade - if your home is hot venture outside to a park with trees where you can avoid direct sunlight.
- Think about others- check up on elderly people as they are more affected by the heat.
- Open your windows but close your blinds and curtains to protect yourself from direct sunlight.
- Wear light coloured, loose cotton or linen clothing.
- Wear sunscreen with UVA and UVB protection at all times.
- Drink more water than usual to make up for the fluids lost through sweat.
- Reduce your caffeine and alcohol intake to avoid dehydration.
- Remember your furry friends – cats and dogs struggle to regulate their temperatures – keep them inside between 11am and 3pm and make sure they have access to fresh water at all times.
- Take a cold shower before bed.
- In the morning fill a hot water bottle with cold water and place it in your freezer. Put it in between your sheets when you go to bed.
- Reduce your emissions – the current extreme temperatures are due to climate change and we don’t want every summer to be like this one. Join the Zero Emissions Network to do your bit to help the environment.