UN offers tips to cope with heatwaves: cool homes, avoid alcohol, stay hydrated

As heatwaves scorch numerous countries, including Spain, the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) offers practical advice for staying cool. With temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius in parts of Europe and 26 nations issuing alerts, UNEP's guide, 'Nine Ways to Stay Cool During a Heatwave,' provides essential tips.

The agency recommends preparing homes by ensuring fans and refrigerators work and stocking up on water and essential medications. Keeping the sun out is crucial; closing blinds and curtains helps, but external shading like awnings or vegetation is even more effective. Opening windows at night for cross-ventilation is also advised.

UNEP suggests minimizing air conditioning use in favor of fans, cool roofs, or dampened window meshes. Climate shelters, such as libraries or shopping centers, offer refuge during extreme heat. The guide also encourages spending time in green spaces and supporting urban tree cover initiatives.

Staying hydrated by drinking water regularly, even without thirst, is vital, but alcohol should be avoided. Light, cold meals like salads are recommended over heavy dishes that raise body temperature. Wearing loose, light-colored clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses, and avoiding exercise during peak heat are also important.

UNEP stresses the importance of recognizing heat-related illness symptoms like dizziness, nausea, and excessive sweating. Immediate action includes moving to shade, drinking water, and resting. In cases of fainting, seizures, or fever, emergency services must be called, as it could indicate heatstroke.