The harshest part of summer is upon us and people are doing all they can to emerge unscathed from the raging cauldron the city has transformed into.
Exposure to extreme heat has led to an alarming rise in medical cases relating to dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Even while the ever-increasing power outages compound summer miseries, simple steps that otherwise go unnoticed, has become the watchword.
From staying out of the sun to spending time on the lowest floor of the home where it is cooler, from drinking plenty of fluids, especially water, to eating small light meals and from frequent cool showers or baths to dressing in light and loose fitting clothes, they are doing it all.
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With the rising temperature, the cost of cooling one’s home, especially if one is using an air conditioner, also escalates. Desperation has driven many families to embrace environmental-friendly alternatives that help minimise sources of heat and removes built-up heat from inside the home.
Rajendra Minnal, a resident of Ashok Nagar, has installed white window blinds and shades and drapes to reflect heat away from the house. “The best way to keep your home cool is to keep the heat out,” he says.
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Sahasra, a home-maker from Bhavanipuram, tries to avoid heat-generating activities such as cooking during the hottest part of the day. “If you must cook, then use a fan to vent the hot air out of the vicinity.
By reducing the amount of heat in your home, you will need less energy to cool it,” she reasons it out.
Planting trees or shrubs, painting the roof white – the reflective effect will help cool the rooms under the roof -- and minimise mid-day washing to reduce indoor humidity are other activities that help the hapless summer victims keep their sunny side up during the ongoing trying times.