Nine Ways to Survive a Heat Wave Without Air Conditioning

We're headed into our third week of a heat wave with temperatures consistently reaching the high 90s.

The National Weather Service said the heat index will be between 98 and 103 this afternoon and could reach 100 to 105 in the afternoon the rest of the week. Thunderstorms are possible, which could increase the humidity.

Overnight lows will be slightly cooler, in the 70s.

Here are nine suggestions for avoiding heat illnesses while living without air conditioning.

1. If you don't have air conditioning, continue to seek at least two hours a day in air-conditioned public spaces. In Urbandale, two areas designated as cooling shelters are the  and the Merle Hay Mall.
2. Drink plenty of water, but stay away from alcoholic beverages, and caffeine, which can act as diuretics, increasing the risk of dehydration.
3. Fill a bucket or basin with cool water and soak your feet.
4. Put towels or washclothes soaked in cool water on your neck to cool you down. Take a cool bath.
5. Use fans and ceiling fans to circulate the air. A fan blowing air over an open cooler of ice can cool you down.
6. Move to the lowest floor of your living quarters -- heat rises.
7. Check on your neighbors or friends if they don't have air conditioning. The elderly, people with health problems and the very young are most at risk.
8. Eat fresh food so you don't have to use the oven or stove, adding extra heat. 
9. Turn off unnecessary appliances, which can generate extra heat.