Forecasters claim that the temperature should drop by Friday, but right now Friday seems a long ways off. With the temperatures hovering in the high 90s, here are some resources with tips to help you survive the heat for the next few days until those cool (since when is mid-80s cool?) temperatures come back around to us. Of course it’s always hot in eastern Washington, but that just means these tips are even more relevant.

MedicineNet.com provides tips on “How to Survive a Heat Wave – Without Air Conditioning“, and includes such ideas as using public building for A/C (libraries are good options!), creating your own A/C with a box fan and bowl of ice, avoiding protein-rich meals (which heat your body), and more.

The CDC has a site on “Tips for Preventing Heat-Related Illness“, and has some additional ideas worth checking out. Among them: drinking more fluids, but avoiding sugar and caffeine; wearing loose, light-weight and light-colored clothing; and keeping an eye on those most at risk, e.g. seniors and younger children, to make sure that they are okay.

Both sites suggest hanging out in cool public buildings, and both mention public libraries as an excellent spot to rest out of the sun. Hey, public libraries are the coolest public buildings out there!

Hang in there, stay cool, and don’t forget to check in on those close to you who are most at risk from heat-related illness.