Staying Safe in Summer Power Outages

Beat the Heat: Staying Safe in Summer Power Outages

High heat is quiet but dangerous. When the grid blinks off on a 100° day, your job is to slow the rise in indoor temperature and protect the vulnerable. Start by closing blinds and curtains, especially on the sun‑facing side. Hang a light sheet or reflective windshield screen in the hottest window. Move living space to the coolest room on the lowest level and keep doors closed to trap the cool you have.

Hydration becomes the main mission. Chill water ahead of heat waves if you can; if not, keep it shaded and drink on a schedule. Add a pinch of salt or a splash of sports drink for electrolytes during heavy sweating. Heat illness often sneaks up—nausea, headache, confusion—so check on each other and slow down before trouble starts.

Airflow helps more than people realize. A small battery fan aimed to move air across a damp towel can make a room feel several degrees cooler. If you have a generator, prioritize a window unit or a portable AC in one room and make that your refuge. Ice in a cooler preserves insulin, baby formula, and critical meds; rotate what you open and keep lids closed.

Evenings are for recovery. Open windows when outside air finally cools, then close up again in the morning to capture the night’s advantage. Avoid heavy cooking indoors and use an outdoor grill in the shade if it’s safe to do so.

Summer outages reward simple strategies. Shade, water, airflow, and patience keep the family steady until the hum of the AC returns.