Tips for saving money, staying cool during excessive heat
[anvplayer video=”5115164″ station=”998122″]
The near-record breaking high temperatures can be dangerous if you aren’t prepared.
There are a few ways to stay safe as the Excessive Heat Warning settles in across the metro area Tuesday. An Excessive Heat Warning is in effect until 8 p.m. You can find an updated list of current weather alerts by CLICKING HERE.
With “feels like” temperatures approaching – or even exceeding – 100 degrees Tuesday, it will be hardest to stay cool if you don’t have air conditioning, but there are places to go. CLICK HERE for temperatures across the state, and CLICK HERE for dew points.
Hennepin and Ramsey Counties both have maps on their websites with places to go. Find a map of cooling centers in Hennepin County here, and a map for Ramsey County here.
Most county buildings will be open, which are free places for people to cool down.
City beaches are also open.
Credit: Pixabay
Ramsey County is offering up its recreation centers too as possible options.
If you do have air conditioning in your home, 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS has some tips on ways to save some energy and money:
- Use your blinds or curtains to keep hot rays of the sun out.
- Make sure any ceiling fans you have are rotating counter-clockwise to circulate the cooler air.
- Go outside and hose down the coils on the air conditioning unit – this helps make sure your system is running as efficiently as possible.
Due to the high temperatures, Minneapolis Public Schools says classes will be held virtually for students who attend schools which aren’t fully air-conditioned.
RELATED: Multiple Minneapolis schools to use e-learning Tuesday due to forecast
While there will be a break in the heat Wednesday, temperatures are expected to be 90 degrees or higher over the weekend and into next week, according to 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS meteorologist Jonathan Yuhas.
Here are some tips if you have to be outside or away from home:
- Dress in lightweight, loose clothing that reflects heat and sunlight.
- Drink plenty of water, and minimize exposure to the sun.
- Don’t leave valuable electronic equipment (phones, GPS units, etc.) inside your vehicle
- Kids, seniors and those with underlying health conditions should stay in a cool place
- Take an air conditioning break by spending time in public areas that are air conditioned, as well as using air conditioning in vehicles.
- Limit outdoor activity during the midday hours, as this can be dangerous to young and healthy people if they participate in strenuous physical activities during hot weather. Try to have all outdoor activities done during the morning and evening hours, take frequent breaks in the shade, and drink lots of fluids.
- Don’t rely on an electric fan – they don’t prevent heat-related illnesses when temperatures get this warm. You are better off using wet cloths, showers, baths, or a spray of cool mist.
- Keep pets inside and out of direct sunlight, and make sure they have clean, cool water
- never leave pets unattended in a parked car for any period of time, even if the windows are partly open. They can die from heatstroke, suffocation or receive brain damage. Call 311 or 612-673-3000 if you see an animal in distress if you are in Minneapolis, or call 911 if you think the situation is life threatening.
For anyone who must wear a face mask in the hot temperatures, make sure to:
- Wear a mask that has a breathable fabric.
- Bring an extra mask to swap out since one that gets sweaty is less capable of blocking germs and viruses.
- Take off the mask if you’re feeling overheated, and do so while being six feet apart from others. Put it back on when you can continue.
CLICK HERE to view your full forecast and CLICK HERE for a Severe Weather Guide, which has more on extreme heat.
[anvplayer video=”5115214″ station=”998122″]