Lagos is hot and humid all year, and the power cut that switches off the fan or the air conditioning makes it worse. Most people adapt within weeks; a few habits make the difference.
Water and salt
- Drink before you are thirsty, more than you think you need, and more when you are out in the sun or exercising.
- You sweat salt too. Food replaces it for most people; after heavy sweating, oral rehydration salts help.
- Drink safe water: sealed bottles or sachets from trusted brands, or filtered and boiled at home.
Heat illness
Heat exhaustion shows as heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, headache and nausea. Get into shade, cool down, drink and rest.
Heat stroke is an emergency: confusion, a very high temperature, hot skin, collapse. Call for help, cool the person with water and fanning, and get them to hospital.
Babies, older people and anyone with heart or kidney problems are most at risk.
Sleeping
- Plan for the power cut: a rechargeable fan on the inverter keeps a bedroom bearable.
- Ventilation: open opposite windows, behind mosquito nets.
- Light, loose cotton at night, and a cool shower before bed.
Food
Food spoils fast in heat, especially through a power cut. Do not refreeze thawed food, and when in doubt, throw it out.
Out and about
Wear a hat and light clothing, use sunscreen, and do the hard things early in the day. Never leave a child or an animal in a parked car.