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How to stay safe, cool and energy-efficient during this week’s hot weather.

Here we go again! The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory through Friday night with temperatures reaching the 90s and lows in the mid 60s. This will pose a Heat Risk level of moderate to high risk of heat-related illness. We have a list of tips to help keep your family cool and safe.

Trap cold air in the morning
Before the day starts to heat up, close your windows and draw the blinds on windows that are exposed to the sun. Try to keep windows or doors shut when it’s cooler inside than outside.

Install window treatments 
Energy-efficient windows or coverings such as blinds, shades and films greatly reduce heat in your home when temperatures rise.  

Avoid heating your home with appliances  
Large appliances like ovens and ranges can heat up more than just your food; they can also heat up your home! Try recipes that require minimal cooking or use appliances like microwaves, electric pressure cookers or even cook outside on a grill. 

Replace air filters 
If your home’s heating/cooling system has an air filtration system, be sure to change out your filters. Changing out your air filters not only improves the air quality in your home, it also makes your home more energy-efficient.  

Get efficient 
While this is our first heat wave of the summer, it will most likely not be the last. Now is a great time to replace or upgrade an old heating system with new, efficient heat pump technology. City Light offers instant discounts to contractors purchasing high-efficiency heat pumps through various local distributors.

Know the signs of heat illness
Extreme heat can cause heat exhaustion and even heat stroke. Signs of heat exhaustion include dizziness, thirst, heavy sweating, nausea and weakness. If someone is exhibiting these symptoms, move them to a cooler area and have them sip cool water. Seek medical attention if the symptoms don’t improve or worsen.

Graphic compares Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke. Things to look out for in heat exhaustion are dizziness, thirst, heavy sweating, nausea, and weakness. If someone is experiencing these symptoms, move them to a cooler area, loosen clothing, sip cool water, and seek medical help if symptoms do not improve. Signs of heat stroke include confusion, dizziness, or becoming unconscious. Heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke. If someone is experiencing these symptoms, you need to act fast. Call 9-1-1 immediately. Move the person to a cooler area, loosen or remove layers of clothing, and cool them with water or ice. Heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not immediately given. Graphic created by NWS, CDC, and NiOSH.

Visit our website for more tips and ideas to help conserve energy around your home.