All survival guides
Heat & Drought
Staying Cool Without AC
When power fails or there's no AC, you cool the person, not the house. Small habits make a big difference.
What to do
- 1Close blinds/curtains by day; open windows for cross-breeze at night when it's cooler.
- 2Spend the hottest hours on the lowest floor, in the shade.
- 3Wet a shirt or towel and sit in a breeze; mist skin and let evaporation cool you.
- 4Hydrate steadily and add electrolytes; limit caffeine and alcohol.
- 5Check on elderly neighbors, kids, and pets — they overheat fastest.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Pushing through heavy activity at midday
- Leaving anyone in a parked car (deadly in minutes)
- Relying on fans alone above ~95°F (move air + wet skin)
Good to know
- Freeze water bottles in advance; hold them at pulse points to cool fast.
Continue here — more Heat & Drought