17 Jul 2013

Stay Cool.

Someone’s been doing extra credit in the temperature category! Uploaded to flickr.com by Mr. T in DC.

Yes, we all have heard how DC was built on a swamp, and we should therefore just accept the fact that it’s going to be humid, soupy and downright hot for several months of the year.

Sorry, but that doesn’t make this author feel any better.  It’s hot out. Crazy hot. It can be hot inside too.

Air conditioning is great, but residential air conditioners are only really designed to cool the air by about twenty degrees Farenheit, so on a humid 97-degree day your indoor environment can still feel a bit stuffy and uncomfortable.

This week temperatures are stretching into the high 90s, and little relief is in sight in the near future.  So beat the heat the many ways you can in the neighborhood over the next few days:

  • City pools are offering extended hours on Wednesday (and potentially later this week too, check the DPR website for updates.  In the area, Randall Pool (25 I Street SW) will be open 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.  Note that the Rosedale Pool is closed on Wednesdays.
  • Take the kids to the splashing fountains at Canal Park or the wading fountains at Yards Park for some shallow water cooling.
  • Do some serious reading.  Spend some time at the Southeast Branch DC Public Library (which is air conditioned of course).
  • The District will open cooling centers from noon  to 6pm at the following locations:
    • One Judiciary Square 441 Fourth Street NW
    • Frank D. Reeves Center (Lobby), 2000 14th Street NW
    • King Office Building (Lobby), 3720 Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue SE
    • Virginia Williams Family Resource Center 33 N Street NE
  • Note that drinking water is temporarily legal on Metrorail and Metrobus through Friday evening.  Just water folks, but since air conditioning isn’t guaranteed on the trains these days, pack your refillable bottle and fill it before you leave the house.
  • Eat ice cream.  Or frozen yogurt.  Or water ice.  Don’t worry about the calories since you’ll probably sweat it off walking back to your home or office.  The neighborhood has some great options, including 32 Below, Pitango, The Pretzel Bakery, Rita’s and a number of other frozen treat purveyors.
  • Remember to check on the elderly, home-bound, pregnant and very young. If you have a neighbor you know does not have air conditioning or can’t leave the house easily, consider bringing them a few bottles of water or inviting them into your home to cool down.
  • Don’t forget the four-legged family members – make sure there is adequate water available for pets throughout the day.

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