Image source: Reuters
On Sunday, Seattle and Portland recorded the most consecutive days of high temperatures, prompting authorities to investigate other heat-related deaths.
Oregon and Seattle
The state coroner’s office said it was investigating 10 deaths and believed the cause was heat-related.
Temperatures soared to 91 degrees in the early afternoon in Seattle on Sunday, a record sixth straight day above 90.
Temperatures in the Portland area have soared above 100 degrees several times over the past week.
Officials said they would keep cold shelters open until Sunday evening.
Warnings
The National Weather Service issued an extreme heat warning for the Portland and Seattle regions that lasted until late Sunday night.
They expected temperatures would cool on Monday with cold Pacific Ocean air.
Adjustment
In the Northwest, residents and officials have tried to adjust the reality of longer, warmer heat waves after last year’s “heat dome” weather phenomenon, which resulted in record temperatures and deaths.
2021
Between late June and early July last year, more than 800 people died in Oregon, Washington and British Columbia in Canada.
Temperatures also hit a record high in Portland at 116 degrees.
How do you survive the heat wave without air conditioning?
High temperatures can be unbearable, and while an air conditioner may seem like the immediate solution, there are other ways to overcome it.
Below are some steps people can take to overcome the heat wave.
Eliminate extra heat sources
When it is already hot, the heat can be reduced by turning off the light bulbs, which generate unnecessary heat.
Minimizing the use of computers and devices also helps. Also, eating meals that don’t require an oven or stove can remove the extra heat in homes.
Stay hydrated
It is important to drink more water than usual in hot weather, especially if you are sweating excessively.
Avoid alcohol and caffeine
While it’s important to stay hydrated, caffeine and alcoholic beverages act as diuretics and promote dehydration.
Use box fans and ceiling fans
Opening doors and windows allows air to enter, but also invites warm air from outside. Using box fans and ceiling fans can help push hot air out and draw in cooler air.
However, it is best to close the doors and windows early in the day to keep the indoor air cool. Once it gets cooler, you can safely open the windows and turn on the fans again.
Walk around cool areas
Although the heat can be unbearable, it is worth sweating to get to places with air conditioning (malls, cinemas, libraries).
Cool off with water
Staying hydrated is one thing, but immersing yourself in water is another.Taking a shower is one thing, but you can also fill buckets or basins with enough water to soak your feet.
People can also opt for wet towels or bandanas which give them a cooling effect.
Additional note
The high temperature affects not only humans, but also animals.Pet owners should consider how warm the ground is before taking their pet for a walk.
But even inside, the heat is inevitable.
Pet owners can place a cool towel or towel on the floor or on a fan to cool the pet.
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