Southwest Florida heat: How to stay safe and save on cooling costs

ESTERO, Fla. (WINK) — With dangerous summer heat continuing across Southwest Florida, staying safe can come down to three simple things: water, rest and shade.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends people working outside drink water frequently, take regular breaks in cooler or shaded areas and limit strenuous activity when possible.

For people spending hours outside, the risk goes beyond the temperature alone. Direct sunlight, humidity, heavy physical activity and protective clothing can all make it more difficult for the body to cool itself.

OSHA also recommends taking extra precautions for people who are new to working in hot conditions or have not recently been exposed to the heat. Shorter shifts and more frequent breaks can help the body gradually adjust.

But not everyone WINK News met on Monday was trying to escape the heat.

John Ewen, who was outside South County Regional Library in Estero, said he moved to Southwest Florida from Buffalo, New York, about seven years ago and prefers the warmer weather.

“I think the heat is very good. I like the heat,” Ewen said.

He was even wearing long sleeves on Monday morning.

“It’s warm, but for me, it’s nice,” Ewen said.

After spending 43 years working outside and shoveling snow, Ewen joked that he has an easy solution if he ever misses the cold.

“If I wanted to go see the cold again, I would just open my freezer door and stick my head in,” Ewen said.

He told WINK News he still planned to spend part of the day outside working on a pantry for his son, which would require cutting wood in his driveway.

Even for people who are comfortable in the heat, OSHA recommends scheduling heavier physical work for cooler parts of the day when possible and taking increasingly frequent rest breaks as heat stress rises.

People should also know the warning signs of heat-related illness.

Dizziness, cramping and other symptoms can be signs that the body is struggling with the heat. Confusion or other changes in mental status can indicate a more serious emergency.

For people who need somewhere to get out of the heat, Lee County facilities such as South County Regional Library in Estero can provide an air-conditioned place to cool down during normal operating hours.

Saving money while staying cool

Staying inside may offer relief from the heat, but running the air conditioner can also increase electric bills.

Florida Power & Light recommends keeping the thermostat between 75 and 78 degrees while at home and raising it to about 82 degrees while away.

FPL says that for each degree a thermostat is raised between 75 and 78 degrees, it can save about 3% to 5% on monthly cooling costs. Cooling can account for approximately 60% of a customer's energy bill during hot weather.

FPL also recommends:

• Closing blinds and curtains during the hottest part of the day to keep heat outside.
• Using ceiling fans while people are in the room and turning them off when the room is empty.
• Checking windows and doors for gaps that allow cool air to escape.
• Using smaller appliances instead of an oven when possible to avoid adding heat inside the home.
• Washing clothes with cold water reduces energy use.

For anyone working outside, OSHA's message remains simple: water, rest and shade.