Woohoo! It’s finally warm outside and that means we can stop complaining about the cold and snow and start complaining about being hot. (A good problem, right?) With the changing temperatures, it’s important to be aware of how your home and family are impacted. So, we’ve put together a few tips on summer prep.

Summer Prep For You And Your Family

It takes time for our bodies to adjust to the rising temperatures this time of year so here are some important ways to keep cool when planning your outdoor adventures:

Drink More Water

Increase your water intake from 8-10 glasses to 12-15 glasses of water every day. Staying hydrated is important for protecting yourself from the sun and for normal functioning.

Protect Your Skin

Use this chart from Hawaiian Tropic to determine which SPF is right for you and consider a cooling sunblock with aloe.

Camping:

• Pitch your tent in the shade or reflect the heat away with thermal survival blankets
• Camp near water for a quick dip or wetting your bandana
• Get a fan tent or leave your vents open to get a maximum breeze

The Beach:

• Rock that wide-brimmed hat for constant shade
• Eat cold treats for a quick cool down or try spicy foods which cause your internal body temperature to rise so your body naturally works to cool down
• Target your neck, ankles, wrists, back of your knees, and armpits with ice or water to cool down your whole body without getting completely soaked

Hiking:

• Hike early in the day and try your best to plan a shaded hike. Even if your whole hike isn’t shaded, find shaded areas to rest
• Pace yourself; it’s important to take frequent breaks for rest and hydration
• Cover up in lightweight, light-colored clothing since dark colors absorb the sun’s rays and make you hotter. By slowing your loss of fluids, covering your exposed skin actually keeps you cooler than wearing less clothing

Summer Prep For Your Home

Now it’s time to get your home ready for the summer. Here are a couple tips for keeping your home cool.

Air Conditioner Checkup

In order to make sure your unit is in working order, you need to test it before the temperatures become intolerable. The air filter might need to be replaced and you will need to clear any debris from around the vents and exhausts, and make sure to remove any dirt from the unit itself. If all else fails, call a professional.

Turn the Breeze Around

Did you know that ceiling fans are made to rotate with the seasons? Clockwise in the winter to help circulate heat that’s risen, and counterclockwise in the summer to increase a cool breeze downward. So rotate those blades to get maximum cooling!

Basement Prep

If your basement is completely or partially underground, it will naturally stay cooler during the summer. And if you have a finished basement, you and the family can spend more time down there during the warm months. Just make sure the electricity and plumbing are functioning and there’s no residual mold or mildew.