Keeping your cool

The weather is sweltering without much relief in sight.

The National Weather Service issued an excessive heat warning in effect until 10 p.m. today. Temperatures could reach into the mid to upper 90s, but it could feel like 108 to 111 degrees. The NWS warns that people without air conditioning, or who spend extended periods of time outdoors, are susceptible to heat stress or stroke.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggest drinking more water and avoiding alcoholic and sugary drinks, staying in air-conditioned places, taking cool showers or baths and wearing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing.

Several area resources and experts offered this advice on coping with the heat:

Cool shelters
Folks without air conditioning can find relief from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the Salvation Army building at 1200 E. Broadway Blvd., and from 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Broadway Baptist Church at 2119 E. Broadway Blvd. The Sedalia Senior Center will remain open to at least 5 p.m. during excessive heat warnings, and will provide cold drinks, snacks and games for entertainment.

Free fans and energy conservation
Kansas City Power and Light dropped off 70 fans at the Salvation Army for those who need help keeping cool. Ronda Watts, a district manager for KCP&L, said the company is working with the agency to identify people in need of a fan.

“We suggest they go to the cooling center if they need a fan, and they can get one until supplies last. ... We are trying to do as much as we can to help customers take care of their situation,” she said.

KCP&L has a hot weather policy which means the company will not disconnect services for nonpayment on days when the National Weather Service predicts the temperature will rise above 95 degrees, or the heat index will rise above 105 degrees.

Here are some tips for saving energy during the summer:

•Keep fallen leaves, grass clippings, foliage and other debris away from your outdoor air conditioning or heat pump unit. Keep the conditioner’s coils clean following manufacturer’s instructions.

•Make sure attic and crawl spaces are adequately ventilated. Poor ventilation will add to your summer cooling costs. It also can trap moisture in your attic, making insulation less effective.

•Change filters in air conditioning units and heat pumps at least once a month.

•Use bath and kitchen fans sparingly when the air conditioner is operating to avoid pulling humid air into the house.

•For every degree you raise the thermostat setting in the summer, you can expect to cut your energy consumption by 3 to 5 percent.

•Run your dishwasher, oven, washer and dryer in the evening when electricity rates may be lower and heat from the appliances won’t increase demands on your air conditioner.

•Close window shades, blinds, drapes and curtains whenever the sun is shining through the window to reduce warming in the home.
•Open up unused rooms. The central air conditioning system will work more efficiently.

•Do laundry, wash dishes, mop floors and bathe in late evening or early morning hours. These activities produce moisture and increase humidity in the house, making the air conditioner work harder and less efficiently.

•Use a microwave whenever possible, as it uses less electricity and creates less heat than a conventional oven.
For more tips, visit www.kcpl.com.

Protecting pets
Dr. Clark Fobian, of Thompson Hills Animal Clinic, says common sense will go a long way in protecting pets from the heat.

“If the owners are comfortable (in the environment where the pets are kept), the pets are comfortable,” he said.

Owners of outdoor pets should look for shade, air circulation and access to fresh drinking water. Fobian said in his 30 years as a veterinarian he has seen only a couple cases of heat-related illness, and in those cases the animals were mostly tied up and unable to find relief from the heat in a shady spot.

Pets should also have ample water. Animals typically drink two to four quarts of water a day. Fobian suggests changing water at least twice a day. He also reminds owners to use Frontline or Advantage to guard pets against ticks, fleas that carry diseases.

Vehicle maintenance
To keep your vehicle running smoothing during the summer heat, Tyson Fuller, assistant manager of Warehouse Tire & Muffler, offers these tips:

•A typical vehicle problem associated with high temperatures is overheating. Ways to prevent overheating are making sure the coolant is full in the morning and fans are working properly. Leaks, low coolant and improper coolant are among the factors that can lead to overheating. Shut off the vehicle if the engine becomes too hot, and let it cool off before starting it again.

•Check belts and hoses, as they are susceptible to breaking due to a higher buildup of pressure in the cooling system.

•Make sure to check fluids and tire pressure in the morning when everything is cool.

•Do not remove the radiator cap when it is hot. In extreme heat, the radiator can be at the normal operating temperature in five minutes.
•Keep oil changed as it breaks down in extreme heat.

Drink smart, eat smart
Staying hydrated is key to maintaining health during heat waves. Kathy Hansen, a registered dietitian at Bothwell Regional Health Center, recommends avoiding alcoholic and caffeinated drinks, as they tend to dehydrate. She also suggests checking the labels of sports drinks because many are high in sodium and sugar, which also have dehydrating effects. Sports drinks can be cut in half with water to minimize the effects. Water with a squeeze of lemon is a refreshing alternative, Hansen said.

Watermelon and fruits high in water are ways to replenish the body with minerals without a high amount of calories.

“Fresh fruit salads are a great way to go,” Hansen said.

The American Red Cross of greater Kansas City also recommends avoiding foods that are high in protein, which increase metabolic heat, and avoid use of salt tablets unless directed to do so by doctor.

People should watch for signs of heat-related illness, especially in the elderly and children, Hansen said. Some signs include dryness in lips and skin, sunken eyes and dizziness.