Let’s be honest: losing your air conditioning during a heatwave is truly miserable. And when it happens you’ll be glad you know these practical, tried-and-true methods for staying cool when the power goes out or the AC breaks down. You’ll feel prepared and comfortable no matter the temperature.
During a record-breaking 114-degree West Texas heatwave, our air conditioner broke. Pregnant and living paycheck to paycheck, I had to find ways to cool down, and fast! I’ll never forget how my family stayed comfortable at night. With the fan on high, we’d cover ourselves with wet bath towels in bed. Unbelievably, we’d wake up cold.
Fast-forward 10 years to another heatwave, this time in Central Texas. We were sapped of energy after more than three months of nonstop 100-degree weather. I call that period “the year I didn’t garden.” It was also the year I realized I didn’t want to be caught unprepared during a power outage-induced heatwave again. While we naturally have an air conditioner and plenty of fans, I wanted to ensure my family could stay cool even without electricity.
Lessons from the Past: Old-School Cooling Techniques
Volunteering at Pioneer Farms on sweltering days taught my family a lot about staying cool without modern conveniences. People would often ask, “Aren’t you hot in that long dress?” or “How do you stay cool when there’s no air conditioner?” Even a child once piped up, “Where do you get ice?
The Comfort of Natural Fibers
I loved answering these questions because I wasn’t just repeating what our ancestors did; I was living the experience! I explained that, believe it or not, the long cotton dress I wore actually kept me more comfortable and cool than shorts. The full skirt and sleeves also protected me from sunburn and bug bites. Light and loose-flowing clothes made from natural fibers like cotton or linen draw moisture from the skin, which then evaporates and cools a person down.
Working with the Weather
During extremely hot weather, we’d water the garden and save hard work for early mornings or late evenings when things cooled down. We also made sure to check on the animals to see if they had plenty of shade and water.
Continue reading, “Staying Cool Without Air Conditioning,” from The Survival Mom.
The Women's Outdoor News, aka The WON, features news, reviews and stories about women who are shooting, hunting, fishing and actively engaging in outdoor adventure. This publication is for women, by women. View all posts by The WON
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