Beating the heat without air conditioning

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI)– As temperatures climb across eastern Idaho, health officials are reminding people that heat-related illnesses can develop quickly.

Heat stroke is the most serious form of heat-related illnesses. It occurs when the body's temperature rises so high that it can no longer cool itself.

Esmy Quintero is the Clinical Services Program Manager at Eastern Idaho Public Health. She says to watch out for these heat stroke symptoms and to seek medical help immediately if you feel:

• Lightheadedness
• Nausea
• Confusion
• Overheating
• Slurred speech

"If they're doing strenuous exercises or if they've been out all day, heatstroke can definitely crawl up on you," Quintero said.

While everyone is at risk during periods of extreme heat, people experiencing homelessness often face even greater challenges. Without reliable access to air conditioning, clean drinking water, or shade, spending hours outside can quickly become dangerous.

"When the temperatures get really warm, it can affect people who are not staying with us at the shelters but might be out in the community," Tyler Perkins, Executive Director of the Idaho Falls Rescue Mission, said.

Hydration is an important way to avoid heat-related illnesses. Quintero says you should drink half your body weight in ounces of water.

Another key to staying cool is dressing appropriately and protecting your skin from the sun. Wearing long sleeves and pants can protect you from burns.

Keeping your home cool without A/C

One way to save your home from heat is to close blinds during the day and open windows at night to create a cross breeze. Fans are also helpful to cool off.

If your home gets too hot, public cooling centers are also available for use.

Examples of public cooling centers include:

• Public library
• Movie theater
• Malls
• Community centers
• Recreation facilities

Eastern Idaho Public Health is also encouraging people to check on neighbors and loved ones who may be more vulnerable to heat-related illness. This includes older adults, young children, pregnant women, and anyone without reliable shelter.