TOLEDO, Ohio — The upcoming heatwave is expected to send temperatures soaring to near 100° for most of the week.
WTOL 11’s weather team has issued Alert Days starting on Monday and lasting all the way to Friday.
That means it is important to do what you can to stay safe.
According to a 2020 survey by the U.S. Energy Information Administration, 94% of homes in Ohio use air conditioning equipment, either central air, window units, or other cooling equipment like mini-splits.
But that still leaves thousands of households in the state susceptible to prolonged and dangerous heat throughout the day, and even into the night, when temperatures are likely to get no lower than the 70s.
So how can you protect yourself if you find yourself unable to cool down your home with air conditioning?
The Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA, recommends these tips.
- Add and close curtains to windows
- Try not to use appliances, such as ovens, that add heat to the home
- Cross-ventilate your home by opening windows at night
- Use fans to help circulate air, but try not to rely on them as your primary cooling device
The World Health Organization offers a number of tips on how to keep yourself safe during the heatwave.
- Spend 2-3 hours of the day in a cool place such as one of the many cooling centers that will be made available throughout the area.
- Avoid going outside during the hottest time of the day.
- Try to stay in the coolest room in your home, especially at night.
- Limit strenuous physical activity if you can or do it during the coolest part of the day.
- Stay in the shade.
And of course, if you are fortunate to have air conditioning in your home, be sure to check on your neighbors, friends, and family who may not.
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