More Tips for Coping with Hot Weather

In the past, I’ve talked a bit about our mattress cooler and big water jug–two greats ways for coping with hot weather. I have also mentioned our wind scoops and fans, not to mention having happy hour in the water. 

Today, I’d like to talk about a few other things that we’ve learned over the years. 

Coping with Hot Weather Tips

All kinds of things onboard are affected by hot weather. Here are a few of my best (random) tips to help you manage.

Battery Water

If you have lead-acid batteries that you must add water to, check them more often when it’s hot. The combination of the batteries working harder, and the hotter weather means that you need to add water more frequently. 

Deodorant

Stick deodorant will melt right in the cupboard in hot weather. Roll-on (Ban (Amazon) is the only brand I know of) does much better. 

Cooking

Whenever I cook, I try to make enough for 2 or even 3 meals. I’ll either freeze the extra or put it in the fridge for the next night. Then I have a meal that I only need to reheat. Also, thermal cooking is great for lessening the time that the stove is on. 

Drinking Alcohol

Have a bottle or two of water before your Happy Hour drink. If you’re thirsty when you drink something alcoholic, you’ll slam it down. Then you quickly grab another and another . . . and they’ll hit you hard! 

Band-Aids

Band-Aids: It’s hard to get them to stay on when you’re sweating. Tincture of benzoin (Amazon) is a total game-changer. Read about it here.

Medical Supplies

Some medications and medical supplies don’t do well in hot weather. For example, my diabetes test strips read high when they’re exposed to too much hot, humid weather. They also are not supposed to be refrigerated! After talking to the manufacturer, we decided that keeping them in a not-too-cool area of the refrigerator would be best. Check if you need to take special precautions with anything. 

Dehydration

Watch for signs of dehydration – dark urine, not urinating once every two hours, muscle cramps. Drink more before a minor problem becomes a major one. If you feel muscle cramps, up your electrolyte intake with a rehydration drink or drops that you can add to water.  

In the northern hemisphere, summer is just coming, so take care! 

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