How to stay cool and treat heatstroke during a heatwave

As summer temperatures soar in various regions across the globe, with some even shattering all-time heatwave records, staying cool becomes crucial.

Fortunately, there are effective ways to beat the heat, whether you have air conditioning or not.

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One of the biggest health concerns with hot weather is the risk of heat-related illnesses, particularly heat exhaustion and heatstroke. In this visual explainer, Al Jazeera provides practical tips to deal with heatstroke, build a homemade cooler with everyday items and keep your house cool.

How to avoid heatstroke

Heatstroke, also known as sunstroke, is a severe medical condition that occurs when the human body’s internal temperature exceeds 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit). If not treated immediately, heatstroke can lead to organ failure and brain damage, and can even be life-threatening.

The graphic and list below summarise 10 tips to help minimise the risk of heatstroke:

Drink plenty of water.

Wear sunblock.

Wear cotton and loose clothing.

Never leave anyone in a parked car.

Stay away from direct sun exposure, especially in the afternoons.

Avoid exercise during the hottest part of the day.

Ventilate and cool your living space.

Take cool showers.

Eat lightly.

Take precautions with medications.

How to treat someone with heatstroke

If you or another person is experiencing heatstroke symptoms, such as confusion or altered mental state, rapid heartbeat, rapid breathing, high body temperature, dehydration or nausea, here are a few steps to bring down your body temperature while waiting for emergency medical aid.

Call emergency services immediately – heatstroke is a medical emergency.

Get out of direct exposure to the sun.

Lie down and elevate your feet.

Take off tight clothing.

Use a fan or air conditioner to lower body temperature.

Apply cold compresses.

Give small sips of water, but only if the person is fully conscious.

Follow these steps until professional help reaches the patient.

How to build a homemade air cooler

In case you do not own an air conditioner, or are trying to save on energy costs, here are some steps you can follow to build your own DIY cooler out of a styrofoam cooler, ice and a fan.

While this will not necessarily help with the humidity, it can provide temporary relief during the hottest summer days.

How to keep your house cool

Another energy-efficient way to keep your house cool is to utilise the flow of the natural breeze. You can do this by opening and closing certain windows and doors to direct the air where you need it the most.