TROUBL

The East Coast is experiencing its first heat wave of the summer much earlier than expected. With temperatures of 100 in some places, and people from Georgia to Connecticut are looking grimly forward to a grueling summer season. If these high temperatures are any indication of what is to come, the eastern seaboard can expect higher temperatures for months to come, and the power outages that come with them.

High temperatures usually mean higher energy demands as homes and businesses crank up air conditioning to stave off the heat, but the huge amount of energy needed to power so many AC units has a cost in human lives. Already, power has gone out in Brooklyn and affected subway transit in New York, and outages are expected to continue. Power outages can lead to huge amounts of lost revenue, but most importantly can often result in deaths in crowded cities like New York. Cooling centers are set up by the city for residents in case of power outages, but many elderly residents have trouble reaching them. Two years ago, 40 elderly city residents died during a heat wave, and city officials are hoping to avoid tragedy this year.

But, with temperatures looking higher than ever, and scientists predicting that global warming could keep the city scorching all summer, the government can’t be expected to do all the work to keep power on. ConEdison is already working to counteract the heat , which could mean more outages than ever if residents of the city and the country as a whole don’t work together. Especially if, as many scientists warn, these high temperatures are just a taste of global warming in coming years. With that being said, it’s important for everyone to work together to keep energy pumping where it’s needed most. This means keeping personal energy use at a minimum and maybe sacrificing a little personal comfort, but if we work together ,we can not only help slow global warming, but also keep the AC on in nursing homes, hospitals, and cooling centers. It might sound like a lot to ask, but there are plenty of ways to stay cool and still have a good time during a heat wave. Here are a few suggestions and tips to keep your energy usage down and your spirits up!

If you’re staying home:
-Try, try, try to use your air conditioner sparingly; there are other ways to keep cool without doubling your energy bill and adding to the heat outside by running a window unit! One way is to be aware of temperature changes outside, if it’s cool enough at night, open the windows and use fans to keep the cool air circulating. As soon as it starts heating up in the morning, close the windows to trap the cool air. Turn on the AC only when it’s really necessary.

Also:
-Keep your blinds and curtains closed during the day to avoid the sun’s heat.

-Once you do turn the AC on, try to conserve energy in other ways.

-Wash your dishes and laundry in cold water, and take cool showers.

-Turn your refrigerator’s temperature back a few degrees.

-Try reading a book or playing a board game instead of watching TV or getting online.

-Catch up on your beauty sleep with a nap.

-Have a romantic, dimly lit evening in.

Or, if you want to get out of the house:
-Go out! The air conditioners in public places will be running _whether you stay home or go out, so take advantage of it!

-Take public transportation if possible to get where you’re going. These systems will be running whether you’re on them or not, and they’re always air-conditioned!

-Check out a museum or gallery to add some culture to your summer.

-See a movie in an ultra-air-conditioned theater.

-Go on a shopping spree or enjoy “people-watching” at the mall.

-Go out for a meal in a cool restaurant (even cooler if it serves locally-raised or organic food!), or head to a bar to watch the game , they’ll have their TV on even if you don’t want to use yours.
Whatever you do, be sure to keep yourself hydrated and remember to conserve energy!