This year seems to be quickly moving along, and for many of us living in Riverside, Fall just can’t seem to get here quick enough to satisfy our yearning to cool down.  Between the hotter than normal temperatures that we’ve experienced from early June through through July, to the tropical moisture that seems to be enjoying a lengthy visit to our area, we might as well have been in the “Dog Days” all Summer long.  many outside activities have been relegated to early morning or late evening hours, unless bathing by or in a great swimming pool somewhere.  Some may say that this is normal, when in fact, the temperatures we’ve experienced are usually only experienced for a couple of weeks at most each year, rather than a couple of months.  Hopefully this is simply a side effect of El Niño and/or La Niña, and nothing more permanent.

Whatever the case may be, please be sure to keep yourself hydrated when performing outdoor activities, such as working in the yard and garden, walking and jogging, or simply being outdoors having fun with the family. Allow for rest periods, in the shade or indoors, when working in excessive heat for lengthy periods of time. Wear sunscreen, hats, sunglasses and other protective clothing to prevent over exposure to the damaging sun rays.  Don’t forget to provide shade for and give plenty of water to our loving outdoor pets. Never leave pets or children unattended in cars, even with windows cracked and providing water. The interior car temperatures will quickly rise to 170+ degrees in the sunlight and heat, which can be lethal, not to mention criminal with consequences.

For the house, keep blinds, shades and draperies pulled to assist in preventing many of the suns rays from becoming added heat inside your home.  Consider doing laundry in the much cooler early morning or late evening hours. Try using your grill more often for less kitchen clean up and heat created during the cooking process. You may even consider applying a window film to your windows, available from local hardware stores to “do-it-yourself” types, like me, or from a professional vendor located in the Metro Atlanta area.  These films can also provide added security to your home, depending on type used, in addition to blocking upwards of 70% of the suns heat causing rays.  Do this can help in reducing your utility costs and in keeping your home much cooler.  Don’t forget that there are tax credits available for purchases made through the end of 2010, both state and federal, that can be applied to cost saving measures like this that increase the energy efficiency of your homes. Ask your vendor or retailer for more information, or find more information available to you at US Department of Energy:Consumer Energy Tax Incentives

I’ve applied a window film to the windows in my home, which immediately caused a drop in my electrical bill the following month to the tune of about $60.  I highly recommend it, but bear in mind that individual results will vary.  The film I used was purchased at a local big-box home improvement store, costing about $35 each.  The roll is 3 feet wide and 15 feet long, and claims to cover 3 standard-sized windows, although there are other sizes that can be purchased.

The bottom line…always enjoy life, but remember to do it safely during these extreme conditions.

Barry D. Batts

RNA Vice President