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Beat the heat! Here are some tips to stay cool during the heatwave

boy drinking ice cold water from a turquoise bottle
Gary G
/
Pixabay

Many cities across the southern part of Michigan have a projected heat index of over 100 starting Thursday and lasting through Saturday. 

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention advises the public to drink more water than usual, and not to wait until thirsty during times of extreme heat. Other tips include wearing light-weight, light-colored, and loose-fitting clothes. 

Staying cool is of course, the goal. But Brian Wheeler, a spokesperson from Consumers Energy, told Michigan Radio's Tracy Samilton that cranking the AC up isn't the smartest idea when it comes to your energy bill.

"For every degree that you move your thermostat one degree higher, you ultimately save 1% to 3% on your energy bill," Wheeler said.

He says setting the thermostat at 78 is comfortable enough for most people.

 

Credit Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Infographic on tips to avoid the heat.

For those who may not have a place to stay, or really need a place to cool off, there are several cooling centers open across Michigan.

List of counties with cooling centers:

For a more comprehensive list of additional locations, The Red Cross has a continually updating list on cooling centers opening across the state.

The CDC also warns to watch out for pets, especially outdoor ones.

In addition to providing water frequently to pets and keeping them in cool and shaded areas, do not leave pets in cars these next few days.

"Temperatures inside the car can rise almost 20 degrees Fahrenheit within the first 10 minutes, even with a window cracked open," according to the CDC.

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