Wet shirts, swamp coolers and chilled baby wipes are among some of the methods Santa Barbara County residents are using to stay cool during high temperatures this week.
Noozhawk asked readers to share their best and unique tips to keep cool during the extreme heat warning, and they delivered.
With very hot temperatures and a potential for thunderstorms in the forecast through Friday, here are some ways to stay cool.
DIY Methods
Stick a package of baby wipes in the fridge to create cold wet wipes that can be used to wipe hands, neck and face, one reader wrote.
In a similar spirit, another reader suggested wearing a wet cooling towel or buff.
Also, sticking feet in a dishpan with cold water and ice “really works,” Sue from Santa Barbara said.
While some homes and workplaces have air conditioning, many of them don’t. However, that doesn’t stop people from trying to create their own indoor cooling systems.
Dory Bertics said taping an ice pack to a fan turns it into “a fake A/C unit.”
Another suggested taking a box fan and putting a wet towel in front of it.
Keeping Cool Inside
Many readers suggested placing fans inside rooms when temperatures outside get hot.
Additionally, many Noozhawk readers suggested keeping a home’s windows and blinds closed during the day, then opening them back up at night to let in cooler air and a breeze.
However, sometimes nighttime temperatures do not cool down much after a hot day, making that method a little challenging.
Stay Hydrated and Find That A/C
Additionally, many people suggested drinking plenty of beverages and putting ice cubes into the drinks to make them colder.
Santa Barbara County Public Health officials suggest non-alcoholic drinks, especially those without sugar or caffeine. They also say not to wait until you are thirsty to drink water.
For those without air conditioning at home, Noozhawk asked readers for their go-to places to get some A/C.
They mostly suggested libraries, restaurants, movie theaters and grocery stores.
Beaches and coastal areas are usually cooler than inland communities, so a trip to the ocean is another way to cool off.
