Staying cool on the 4th of July

There are a lot of people this 4th of July that are still without poser from a storm that blew through a number of Mid-Atlantic states. 



So, how are you keeping cool today? Add your ideas!


One of the first things we do in the winter, is try to keep the cold out of the house by covering the windows. Using the same principal, keep the hot out of your house the same way. Window coverings work ok, but an insulated curtain works wonders. I have taken 2 pieces of material, slipped a piece of fabric batting in between and sewn them up. I use this in the winter, but when you have not ac in the summer this also helps. Blankets will also work. Bubble wrap in a pillow case.  Cardboard with aluminum foil to reflect the sunlight out. 


Keeping direct sunlight out of the house is the goal. At night, when the temperatures drop a bit, open the windows and let the cool air in. In the morning, shut the coolness into the house by closing and covering the windows.

If you are lucky enough to live by water, go swimming. The best way to keep tempers in check is to cool off. It also gets rid of pent up energy.



Sometimes the cities will open fire hydrants.


If you have no way to go swim, wet a washcloth and place it on top of your head. This will cool your body down. Years ago, Jim and I went to the Indy 500 where it was sweltering. Putting the wet washcloth on our heads was a way to keep cool.  A spray bottle with some water in it to mist your face works well too. I remember seeing a spray bottle with a personal fan attached at the Dollar Store a few years back. That would work well too...

Ice in a small bag or ice pack in your hat. When I was in high school and would march in the band, the uniforms were extremely hot. The 4th of the day parade can be one of the hottest times to march. My mother would fill an ice pack and put it on top of my head under the band uniform hat (which was very similar to the British Guard uniforms!)






(Ice packs can be found on amazon.com)

   

If you can go to the mall, or shopping center that has ac. 

Drive in your car for a little bit. If you can find a road with a lot of trees, you will be amazed at the 10 degree difference that could make. 

If you have water, fill the tub with cool water and soak.

Place cooling sheets over the fuzzy material on your furniture.

If you have a basement, create a way to get the cool air up stairs. My grandmother had vents in the floor of her house. When we were upstairs, we could see through them and watch the adults downstairs. These floor vents can be opened and closed.

If all else fails, rent a room at a motel for a night...