It is taking over. Not a person. Not a country. It’s the scorching energy that envelops our world.

Heat.

It holds people to fans, the breeze “keeping us alive”, says eighth-grader Tifannee Vanderhoff.  With 2016 tying as the hottest summer recorded in Cleveland history since 1947, in Mayfield Middle School temperatures can climb up to ninety-degrees, especially in second-floor classrooms.  In fact, on Thursday, September 8, forty Cleveland area schools were closed due to the heat.

Here are five cool ways to cool down.

1. Use fans strategically.

If you turn a ceiling fan counter-clockwise, then close all windows and doors, the air will become cooler in no time.

Make a DIY air conditioner. Buy a square Styrofoam cooler, get a standup fan, with the part that protects the blades the same size as the top of the box. Cut 3-4 squares on one outward side of box, and cut many holes in top. Lay the fan face-down on the top of the box.

Face fans inward to bring in cool air from outside in the mornings or from the hallways.  Conversely, face fans out to blow the hot air away.

2. Dress accordingly.

Tight clothes keep heat sticking to the human body, so wear clothes that allow air to circulate. When it comes to clothes, when it’s hot, less is more. For some, this has meant pushing the boundaries of the school dress code with tank tops and shorts.

3. Use electricity sparingly.

Running electricity causes heat. So for a couple hours, unplug chargers, turn off lights, and close all the blinds.  Limiting both sun and overhead lighting will make it cooler.

4. Get creative.

Teachers on upper floors “borrow” cooler rooms when they’re available or take advantage of air-conditioned computer labs.  Mr. Carlson provided popsicles for his classes on the day the heat index hit 95.  Teachers enjoyed East Coast Custard following a staff meeting, and Superintendent Dr. Kelly himself delivered cold waters to those on the second floor.

And if all else fails, take a tip from Mr. Carlson and dunk your head in a cooler of ice.

Lifehacker.com – http://lifehacker.com/5913149/top-10-ways-to-beat-the-heat

Realsimple.com – http://www.realsimple.com/work-life/23-ways-to-beat-heat