Poor air quality can be harmful to your health, especially for children, older adults, and those with heart and lung conditions.
When there is an air quality advisory in your area, officials may recommend that you keep your windows closed and stay indoors. When your windows are closed, and the air conditioner is off (or you don’t have one), you will need to take special care to stay cool. Here are a few tips to keep cool indoors:
-Keep the blinds closed while the sun is up.
-Install an air conditioner (recommended with a health efficiency particulate air filter).
-Drink plenty of cool, non-alcoholic beverages.
-Place a bowl of ice in front of a fan to create a cool breeze.
-Avoid using the oven and instead cook on the stovetop.
-Do any physical activity in the cooler morning or evening hours.
-Spend time in the cooler rooms of your home, like a basement.
-Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing.
-Take a cool shower or bath.
Staying inside during summer is not ideal, so make the best of it. Take the time to read a book, do some house work, play a board game or enjoy a movie.