The City of Arlington encourages you to stay safe and keep cool this summer. Be prepared for prolonged periods of heat and make plans to protect yourself, family and pets.

Preparations include staying indoors during the hottest times of the day, seeking recreational opportunities in air-conditioned locations such as public libraries or recreation centers, and knowing the signs of heat related illnesses.

Here are a few tips to protect your family and neighbors:

• Use fans. If you do not have air conditioning in your home, use box fans in a window with the air intake pushing air to the outside. During the evening you should reverse the fan to pull cool evening air into the house. If you have a box fan you can create a little homemade air conditioning. Set a tub of ice water behind the fan and wait. The cool air will be pulled away from the tub and cool down your home.
• Keep windows and blinds closed. While the sun is up, keeping windows and doors closed up will allow the house to stay as cool as possible for the longest amount of time.
• Stay downstairs. If you live in a home with two stories or a basement, staying downstairs can also keep your cooler. Heat rises so the upper floors of your household so staying downstairs makes a big difference.
• Use plenty of water and ice. Water is a great way to cool off. Take a cool bath or shower during the day. You can also soak your feet in an ice bath to cool down. Get a spray bottle that is filled with cold water and spray on your face and neck throughout the day.
• Keep the lights off. Keeping unnecessary lights on in your home can actually raise the temperature of your indoor air. Also avoid using ovens and stoves during the day which can also create unwanted heat.
• Go out. On the days that are the hottest you should take advantage of your local businesses and City of Arlington public facilities that offer lots of shade or air conditioning.

Click here to find a City of Arlington splash pad near you.

Click here for City of Arlington pool hours and locations.

Click here for Arlington Public Library locations and hours.

Click here for Arlington recreation center locations and hours.