In case the air conditioner fails or a stoppage in electric power takes place, a hot summer day may become awful and even hazardous, particularly for very young and very old members of the family. Several slight modifications can make a huge difference and correct the situation.
You should: 
I. Wake up early. The chilliest hours of the day are from 4 till 7 a.m. Think about getting up earlier and doing household work requiring hard work within these hours.
II. Have a cold breakfast. You may choose from cottage cheese, fresh fruit, yogurt and vegetable juice. In case you have to cook, use microwave oven to prevent heat build up in the house. The same concerns lunch and dinner.
III. Do not consume products containing caffeine. As an alternative, drink water with ice all day long. Avoid alcoholic beverages.
IV. Make use of your windows. Shut the windows and draw the blinds from 9 a.m., and let them remain closed till 6 p.m. If you reside in a two-storied house, keep the second floor windows a little bit open to allow hot air to get away.
V. Take shower later than usually. As an alternative to going into shower immediately after waking up in the morning, wait till the temperature increases in your house. Take a chill shower and let your skin remain wet and your hair humid.
VI. Put on clothing of summer colors and textile. As an alternative to jeans and tight shirts,
dress in loose linen or cotton of light colors. Put on sun hat when going out.
VII. Make use of the cold setting. Wash the clothing in cold water and be certain the dishwasher uses no heat to dry dishes. If it is possible, sling your wet clothes not to use the dryer. Use these appliances within cooler parts of the day or switch them on right before going out.
VIII. Switch all appliances off. TV sets, stereos, computers and even glow lamps produce heat. Let them be off when not in use; avoid watching television on hot days.
IX. Get downstairs. Spend the hottest parts of the day on the first floor of your house and, if you have such an opportunity, in the northeast room. The sun usually shines from the southwest part of the house, making it the warmest.
X. Make use of fans. Ceiling fans and portable ones permanently move over your skin, maintaining it cool. Wear shorts and skirts to be more exposed to the draft. Make use of a water mister to moist your skin and obtain the cooling effect of evaporation. If it’s ok, you may even put on wet clothes and allow the fan to dry them on you.
XI. Leave your house. From 2 till 6 p.m. go to any public buildings that have air conditioning. It may be a museum, library, cinema or shopping mall. Or just do outside and remain in the shade.
XII. Try to fall asleep early. Put the bedclothes off and lie uncovered with a fan locating between an open window and the bed so it will draw in chillier night air.
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