Roundup: Staying Cool in Texas
Texas summers are filled with endless fun — fireworks, lake days, and backyard barbecues. But they’re also relentlessly hot.
Don’t let triple-digit temperatures and sporadic heat waves keep you hiding inside. We’ve rounded up our best heat-beating tips and ideas for maximum summer fun. So, grab some sunscreen, hydrate in style, and get out there.
Prep for Heat Waves
Heat waves are inevitable in Texas, so stay ahead of the forecast by preparing your home for extreme heat. Watering your foundation can help ward off costly, time-consuming repairs. High temps can also wreak havoc on your roof, so maintaining good ventilation and clean ducts can ease some of the heat-related pain.
Don’t forget about heat’s impact on your car; long-term exposure can impact everything from the tires to the electrical system.
Recognize & Respond to Heat Emergencies
A fun, casual day in the sun can take a rapid, dangerous turn if you’re not aware of the signs of sun poisoning, heatstroke, and/or heat exhaustion. Knowing what to do in a heat emergency and how to stay cool can save a loved one’s life. Before going outside, load up on SPF and wear breathable clothes. If you find yourself getting too hot, hold ice to the inside of your wrists and back of your knees to quickly cool your body temperature. Be on the lookout for overlapping symptoms such as dizziness and disorientation, fatigue, and/or heavy sweating.
Keep Your Home Cool Without Breaking the Bank
Although somewhat controversial among Texans, the Department of Energy suggests that Americans set their thermostat at 78 degrees. The rationale? This is the highest comfortable level that puts less work on your HVAC.
But there are ways to find a temperature that works for you. Start with your usual thermostat setting and increase it by one degree each day, until you start feeling uncomfortable. Even a few degrees can translate to energy bill savings.
There are other ways to keep your home cool, including closing blinds and opening interior doors while the AC is running to create better airflow. Or take it back to the resourcefulness and ingenuity of the past by incorporating some pioneer-style cooling hacks. Adapt your daily routines around the heat or consider planting shade trees.
Healthy Hydration
Staying hydrated is essential during Texas’ grueling summer months — and it’s especially important for young Texas athletes, working out in the scorching summer heat. A healthy water intake keeps our bodies functioning properly, whether its temperature regulation or keeping our joints lubricated. These practical hydration tips will help you stay ready for the summer heat.
Refreshing Summer Sips
Make hydration festive and invigorating with a flavor-filled twist on the typical H2O. These seven lemonade and limeade recipes have something for every taste bud, including sparkling raspberry limeade and the classic Arnold Palmer.
For something a little colder, grab a blender and try out one of these retro slushies. (7-Eleven, who?) Add a fruity flair to your next backyard barbecue with this Aztec-inspired agua fresca. The recipe is simple, yet versatile. All you need is your favorite fresh fruit, lime, herbs, and the ever-important water.
Cool Sweet Treats
Texans know their ice cream. After all, we are the home of Blue Bell. While there are delectable spots to grab a scoop or two all over the state, there’s just something special about homemade ice cream. It doesn’t have to be an all-afternoon affair, either. This five-minute vanilla ice cream is fast and delicious. (And it’s even better when upgraded to ice cream s’mores!)
If ice cream and Italian ice melt too fast for your liking, try frozen custard. Unlike ice cream, this cool confection is made with egg yolks, which gives way to a thick, creamy consistency. The iconic desert has been around for more than a century, but big-name frozen custard shops have been popping up all over the state over the past few decades.
Add these 14 family summer activities to your agenda before back-to-school season comes knocking.
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