• Pretend it’s the 1950’s when the only place you could count on for air conditioning was the movie theater. Take in a late afternoon show so you can spend the hottest part of the day inside.
• Make a huge pitcher of lemonade but don’t send the kids out front to swelter in the sun – instead, pull out a game and drink that cool citrus liquid yourselves.
• Make old-fashioned popsicles with fruit-flavored drink. If you can’t wait, eat them with a spoon when they are slushy ice.
• Keep your home as cool as possible. Draw the blinds and close curtains to keep out the sun, turn off lights when they are not needed, and don’t use the oven if you can help it.
• If you haven’t changed your air conditioning system filter for a while, do it now so your system can operate at best efficiency.
• Drink lots of water – you can be dehydrated before you become thirsty, so don’t wait.
• Pick up that book you’ve been meaning to read – now’s the time.
• Use fans to keep the air moving – they will help keep a closed house feeling fresher.
• Remember your pets – be sure they are inside, too, and have plenty of fresh water.
• Stay indoors as much as possible. The hot days won’t last long, and soon you’ll be able to enjoy the yard, the pool, and the beach again.

It’s hard to believe, but in a few months we’ll be wishing for a bit of this heat. You can’t bottle it, can’t store it for use in January, but you can stay safe and comfortable.