UAE | General

Tips to cool down during a power cut

Are you one of the many Sharjah residents suffering the heat because of a power cut? Here are some ways to cool down

  • Gulf News
  • Published: 15:08 July 21, 2010
  • Keep a bottle of water handy
    Keep a bottle of water handy

    It’s common sense but you’d be surprised how many people don’t do it. Always keep chilled water in the fridge so you can cool down when the electricity goes. Even room temperature water will help keep you hydrated.

  • Watch your food
    Watch your food

    No need for heavy food when the power goes out. Eating light and healthy is the order of the day when the mercury rises. Foods with high water quantity like fruit, and especially high sugar fruits like dates, are recommended.

  • But make it spicy
    But make it spicy

    An alternative theory says that eating spicy food is good for you as it helps you sweat without raising your actual internal body temperature, and as we all know, sweating is your body’s way of keeping cooler.

  • Hit the shower
    Hit the shower

    It might not do much good for your water bills, but taking regular showers will help keep you in shape in the summer. Even if the water is not ice cold, the cooler temperature of the water on your skin will feel like a million dollars.

  • UPS
    UPS

    The Uninterruptible Power Supply is a staple part of many households in countries where the power isn’t always on. Its basically a giant battery that can keep a basic electricity supply going that will at least allow you to run fans in the house.

  • Bathing your brow
    Bathing your brow

    Remember when you were ill as a child? Nothing felt as good as a wet cloth on your temples. Same rule applies in a power cut. A damp cloth on the temples, behind the ears or on your wrist helps cool your body temperature down

  • Think small
    Think small

    Hand held battery operated fans may seem like kids stuff. But when the power goes off and its 40c outside you’ll be pretty glad you’ve got a few of them scattered around the house.

  • Go somewhere cool
    Go somewhere cool

    Not a handy tip for the night time, but a common-sense one. If you are feeling hot then cool yourself down away from the house. A trip to the mall or a leisurely drive in your car will help you wile the hours away until the AC comes back on

  • AC your jacket
    AC your jacket

    The most novel (and unrealistic solution) is to invest in an air conditioned jacket. Amazingly, these devices are available in the UAE (and by mail order) and work by blowing cold air around the coat using a battery powered fan in the lining.

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