Tips for surviving Brisbane's Heatwave [Other Than Window Tinting!]

Weather events such as La Nina have been having an increasing effect on our lives with each passing year. All over the world, freezing winters are often followed by extreme heat waves during the summer months, particularly here in Australia - including our beautiful sunny Brisbane.

It's fair to say that most of us love a summer's day and all the little pleasures it brings - the beach, cricket, the breezy summer clothes, ice cream and more! However, when temps start reaching the high thirties, humidity is near 100% and the BOM is saying it's gonna be a heatwave, we need to get ready!

Of course, in Brisbane, installing air conditioning might be top of mind, but as professional home window tint installers, we also know that a good quality film will reduce the room temperature - even when the air con is off!

But, there are other things to keep in mind!

How to Stay Safe During a Heat Wave

Keeping cool during a heatwave goes beyond comfort, it really is about safety as heatwaves can pose a health risk. What can we do to minimise such risks?

1. Drink Lots of Water

Many health issues that we're faced with during a heatwave, such as fatigue, can be related to dehydration.

When it's hot, our body will sweat in an attempt to regulate our body temperature. That means an increase in fluid loss and a strong need to drink more water to replenish our body.

It's not enough to drink our usual amount of water. It really is important to make up for that loss by increasing it.

2. Wear Clothes Made From Breathable Materials

Wearing natural and breathable fabric such as cotton, or light-weight synthetics, can make a huge difference - bonus points for light colours too!

Breathable fabrics will help your skin breathe and cool down as sweat is less likely to get trapped in your clothes as it evaporates into the atmosphere.

3. The 5 S's - Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, Slide

We all love the sunshine and the outdoors, but let's keep in mind that not only the heat is dangerous - skin cancer is one of the most common cancers Australians suffer from. So, take the Australian Cancer Council's advice to:

• Slip
• Slop
• Slap
• Seek
• Slide

Source: Cancer Council

4. Wet towels

Water is not just for drinking - and yes, drinking plenty of it is also super important.

Water can be an amazing resource to cool your body down. That includes a cold shower or bath or a splash in the swimming pool or ocean.

If a pool is not available, a wet towel can provide quick relief when the heat gets extreme.

Before going outdoors, a good trick is to wet a hand towel or some washers and pop them in the freezer. Carry it in an insulated bag for instant cooling relief.

5. Curtains and Blinds

When that heatwave hits your house, it can feel like an oven! In addition to air conditioning and window tinting, curtains and blinds can also help to keep your home environment cool.

When the sun is hitting a particular side of the house, putting down the curtains and blinds during that time is a good way to deflect the heat brought by the sunlight.

6. Pay Attention to Your Body

Extreme heat can be a health hazard - that includes things such heat rash, heat cramps, heat fatigue and heat stroke. While cooling down by going to an air conditioning environment and/or using water could be good strategies, don't hesitate to call for medical assistance when necessary. Heat is particularly risky for elderly people and very young kids.

7. Don't forget your furry friends

It's not just humans who suffer during a heatwave. Our furry pets can struggle too! Keeping water and sheltered spaces for them is just as important.

Remember also to adjust their walking times. Paws can get badly damaged by hot surfaces that have been exposed to the sun.

What is a Heat Wave

A very hot day may not necessarily count as a heatwave. Heat waves happen when temperatures are uncharacteristically higher than the average for that time of the calendar year.

Heatwaves are can occur in various categories:

• low-intensity heatwaves,

• severe heatwaves, or

• extreme heatwaves.

Can Heat Waves Cause Power Outages?

The short answer is yes, however, it's not a direct correlation as it's the increase in energy consumption that puts extra pressure on the electricity grid that can potentially lead to power outages.

That's a good reason to look into cooling alternatives such as window tinting that do not rely on power use.