06/29/2026
Let's face it. This week is going to be rough! 🥵🌞
I found these tips on another page and thought they would be helpful.
Last June we moved from Texas (where we were born and raised) to Michigan. It was a huge adjustment, especially experiencing winter for the first time. We were so fortunate and grateful for our neighbors, coworkers, and even Meijer employees who gave us all the helpful winter advice they could think of.
In the spirit of returning that kindness, I'd like to share some tips on dealing with heat. And while some of it may be a no brainer to many of you, I'm going to say it anyway in good faith on the off chance it helps or even just reminds someone.
- it's easier to preserve cool than to catch back up once your house is too hot. So don't turn your thermostat off before you leave if you can avoid it. Your system will have to work harder to cool back down than it will just maintaining a more moderate temperature.
-go buy a sheet of foam board insulation to put in your sunniest windows (or any single pane/thin window) It's easy to cut to the size of your window. Label it with a permanent marker which window it belongs in and store it under a bed when this heat wave passes. This was a life saver for us in Texas. If you cannot afford or transport a sheet of foam board any insulation/light blocking will benefit you. Cardboard, heavy blanket, whatever you have available.
-do not use your oven or any heat generating appliance between 10 am-5 pm or so. This is a time for crockpots, cold meals, air fryers, takeout. You do not want to add more heat.
-if you have to work outside and you're able to do this...wear a long sleeve shirt like a rash guard and soak it down with water. Wet your hat or put a wet rag between your head and your hat.
-keep air moving. Fans fans fans
-Google "diy swamp cooler" there are many ways to make one that vary in effort, materials, and cost. Some are very cheap and simple.
-block off hotter rooms from cooler ones with blankets, tarps, or curtains. If you have to heat up your kitchen, you dont want to heat up the rest of the house along with it. Just suffer in one room so you can retreat to a cooler one
-if you have chickens...they often struggle in high temps as they cannot sweat and they're covered in insulating feathers. Eating generates warmth in their body too so do not feed them in the heat of the day...feed them early morning or late afternoon. Move them to the shade, put an old fan on them if you have one, and make sure they have fresh cold water available. If you can't move them, shade their run or coop with whatever you have available. Look up signs of heat distress in chickens.
-do not water your garden in the heat of the day, it will scorch your plants that are in the full sun
-remember that metal seat belt buckles and pavement can cause serious burns. Even throwing a towel or blanket over your seat belt buckles can help prevent them from becoming a hot skillet.
-certain medications can increase your risk of heat stroke and sunburn. Look up any medications you're taking if you're unsure.
-intense heat like this can melt things left in your car that otherwise are fine. Don't leave your glasses, debit cards, or electronics on the dash or in your seat. Make sure to remove any aerosol cans from your car as they can explode. (Disinfectant, compressed air, air freshener, cleaners)
Of course, stay hydrated and don't forget the electrolytes. Watermelon is an enjoyable and cooling way to hydrate. 😊
That's all I can think of at the moment. I hope something here was helpful to at least one person. Don't hesitate to share other tips in the comments if you see something I missed! I hope everyone can stay safe and as comfortable as possible during this heat wave. 💜 We love living here and I just wanted to do my best to look out for the community that has looked out for us. 💜
