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2026 Complete Guide to Summer Heatstroke Prevention and Cooling: Countermeasures for Home, Going Out and Power Savings during High Temperature Alerts
The high temperatures in Taiwan's 2026 summer have repeatedly broken records. This comprehensive guide includes practical countermeasures for cooling down at home, preventing heatstroke when going out, first aid for heatstroke, and saving electricity and energy, etc. to protect yourself and your family through the scorching heat safely.
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Table of Contents
1. How hot is Taiwan’s summer in 2026? Record-breaking high temperatures
In May 2026, the Yujing logging station in Tainan recorded a high temperature of 39.7 degrees, and the Central Meteorological Administration issued high temperature warnings for 8 counties and cities at the same time. In recent years, the average summer temperature in Taiwan has continued to rise, and the frequency of extreme heat events has increased. It is no longer "very hot occasionally" but a health risk that must be faced seriously every summer.
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In May 2026, The Temperature At Many Measuring Stations Across Taiwan Exceeded 38 Degrees, With Yujing In Tainan Reaching 39.7 Degrees.
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The Urban Heat Island Effect Makes The Perceived Temperature In Urban Areas 2-4 Degrees Higher Than Official Data
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High Temperature Not Only Affects Comfort, But Also Directly Threatens Life Safety - About 400-600 People In Taiwan Seek Medical Treatment Due To Heat Injuries Every Year
2. Heat Stroke vs Heat Exhaustion: Understanding the Difference Could Save a Life
Many people call all high temperature discomfort "heat stroke", but heat injuries are actually divided into several levels and treated in different ways. Understand the difference, and you can save yourself and others at critical moments.
| project | heat cramps | heat exhaustion | Heat stroke (heat stroke) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Severity | Mild | Moderate | Severe (can be fatal) |
| body temperature | normal or microliter | below 40°C | over 40°C |
| skin | normal, sweating | clammy, pale | Dry, flushed, no sweating |
| consciousness | wide awake | Dizziness, nausea, weakness | Confusion, coma |
| deal with | Rest + add salt water | Move to shade + hydrate + cool down | Call 119 immediately + actively cool down |
Important Notes
Heat stroke (heat stroke) is a medical emergency with a fatality rate of 30-80%. If you find someone whose body temperature exceeds 40 degrees and is unconscious, please call 119 immediately and continue to cool down, and do not wait to recover on their own.
3. Heat stroke first aid SOP: Remember these five steps
When encountering a person suspected of having heat stroke, master the following first aid steps to gain prime time before the ambulance arrives.
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1. Move To A Cool Place: Immediately Move The Patient To A Sheltered, Cool Environment, Away From Direct Sunlight
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2. Dial 119: Heatstroke Is An Emergency. Do Not Hesitate To Call An Ambulance Immediately.
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3. Take Off Excess Clothing: Untie Collars And Belts To Dissipate Heat As Much As Possible
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4. Actively Cool Down: Wipe The Whole Body With A Wet Towel, Fan, And Put Ice Cubes On The Neck And Armpits If Available. Do Not Wipe With Alcohol
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5. Hydrate But Be Careful: If The Patient Is Conscious, They Can Drink Water In Small Sips. If You Are Unconscious, Do Not Drink Water To Avoid Choking Into Your Lungs.
Tip
- Key areas of ice application: both sides of the neck, armpits, and groin—these are the places where large blood vessels pass through and have the highest cooling efficiency.
- Do not give ice water to heatstroke patients. Water at room temperature is sufficient. Too ice may cause stomach cramps.
4. Cooling down at home: 8 ways to use more than just air conditioning
Air conditioning certainly works, but it’s not the only option. Combined with the following methods, you can reduce the use time of air conditioning, maintain comfort and save electricity bills.
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1. Window Thermal Insulation Film: Applying Thermal Insulation Film To Xishai Windows Can Reduce The Indoor Temperature By 3-5 Degrees And Costs About 200-500 Yuan/Window.
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2. Blackout Curtains: Choose Light-Colored Curtains With Blackout Coating To Block 70-90% Of Solar Radiation Heat
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3. Ventilation And Convection: Open Diagonal Windows In The Evening And Use Electric Fans To Create Convection And Quickly Discharge Indoor Hot Air.
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4. Air Conditioner Setting 26-28 Degrees: Use It With An Electric Fan, The Body Temperature Will Drop By 2 Degrees, And The Electricity Bill Will Be Saved By 20%
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5. Sprinkling Water Or Laying Reflective Materials On The Roof: Suitable For Residents On The Top Floor, Which Can Lower The Room Temperature On The Top Floor By 3-8 Degrees.
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6. Indoor Plants: Place Large-Leaf Plants Near The Window To Naturally Cool Down Through Evapotranspiration And Improve Air Quality.
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7. Reduce Heat Sources: Use The Oven Less During The Day, Turn On Less Unnecessary Lights (Traditional Light Bulbs Generate A Lot Of Heat), And Switch To Leds
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8. Bamboo Mats Or Cooling Bedding: The Body Temperature Will Drop By 1-2 Degrees During Sleep, Reducing The Use Of Air Conditioners At Night
5. Preventing heatstroke when going out: key points of protection for commuting, exercising and working
When you have to go out in the heat, being prepared can significantly reduce your risk of heat injury.
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Time Period Selection: Avoid The High Temperature Period From 10 Am To 3 Pm, When Ultraviolet Rays And Temperatures Are At Their Highest.
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Wear: Light-Colored, Loose, Breathable Clothing. Dark Clothes Absorb Heat And Tight Clothes Hinder Heat Dissipation
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Sun Protection: Hat + Sunglasses + Sunscreen With Spf 30 Or Above. Reapply Every 2 Hours
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Hydrate: Don’T Wait Until You’Re Thirsty To Drink Water. Drink 150-250Ml Of Water Every 15-20 Minutes. Replenish Sports Drinks With Electrolytes When You Sweat A Lot
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Cool Down With You: Bring A Small Spray Bottle, A Cooling Towel Or A Handheld Fan To Cool Yourself Down Regularly
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Attention Motorcycle Owners: Clean The Lining Of Your Helmet Regularly And Choose A Breathable Model. When Stopping At A Red Light, Avoid Road Sections Exposed To The Sun At Noon
Tip
- It is recommended to do exercise before 6 a.m. or after 6 p.m.
- Outdoor workers should take a 10-minute break every 30 minutes of work to rehydrate in the shade
6. Focus on heatstroke prevention for special groups
The following groups have lower tolerance to high temperatures and require special attention.
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Infants And Young Children: Their Thermoregulatory Functions Are Not Yet Fully Developed And Should Never Be Left In The Car (The Temperature Inside The Car Can Soar To Over 50 Degrees In 10 Minutes). Use A Sunshade Stroller Cover When Going Out And Replenish Water Regularly
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Elderly People Over 65 Years Old: Chronic Disease Medications May Affect Perspiration Function And The Sense Of Thirst May Be Dull. Family Members Should Take The Initiative To Remind Them To Drink Water, At Least 1500Ml Every Day
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Patients With Chronic Diseases: Patients With Cardiovascular Disease, Diabetes, And Kidney Disease Are More Sensitive To High Temperatures. People Taking Diuretics Are More Likely To Become Dehydrated And Need To Drink More Water
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Mao Xiaobao: Dogs And Cats Have Poor Heat Dissipation Ability, So Avoid Walking The Dog At Noon. Temperatures On Asphalt Can Reach Over 60 Degrees And Can Burn Pads. Prepare Enough Water And Pay Attention To The Frequency Of Panting
Important Notes
Infants, young children and the elderly may not be able to express discomfort clearly, and caregivers should actively observe for signs of dehydration such as flushing, reduced urination, unusual irritability, or lethargy.
7. Practical ways to save electricity in summer: The secret to not blowing up your electricity bill
Electricity bills in Taiwan are progressive in summer, with the more you use, the more expensive it becomes. The following are proven and effective ways to save energy without sacrificing comfort while keeping your energy bills under control.
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Air-Conditioning Timer: Set A Timer To Turn Off 2-3 Hours Before Going To Bed, And Use An Electric Fan To Maintain Coolness. The Temperature Naturally Drops In The Early Morning, So There Is No Need To Turn On The Air Conditioner All Night
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Air Conditioner Cleaning: Cleaning The Filter Every Two Weeks Can Increase Air Conditioner Efficiency By 10-15%. Ask A Professional To Wash It Once Every Summer
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Make Good Use Of Time-Based Electricity Prices: Taipower’S Time-Based Electricity Price Plan, The Electricity Price During Off-Peak Hours Is About 1/3 Of The Peak Price. Large Home Appliances (Washing Machines, Dryers) Are Moved To Off-Peak Hours For Use
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Refrigerator Management: Do Not Overfill The Refrigerator (Leave 30% Space For Air Circulation), Reduce The Number Of Opening And Closing, And Allow Food To Cool Before Putting It In
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Appliance Standby: Unplug Unused Appliances Or Use Smart Sockets To Save 50-100 Yuan Per Month On Standby Power.
Tip
- Taipower App allows you to check power consumption in real time, set monthly budget warnings, and receive notifications before the limit is exceeded.
- Variable frequency air conditioners paired with circulation fans save 30-40% of energy compared to fixed frequency air conditioners.
8. Dietary advice for hot weather
Under high temperatures, the body consumes a lot of energy and loses appetite. Correct eating habits can help maintain physical strength and electrolyte balance.
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Eat More Foods With High Water Content: Watermelon, Cucumber, Tomato, Winter Melon To Replenish Water And Vitamins
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Appropriate Amount Of Salt Supplement: After Sweating A Lot, Drink Water With A Pinch Of Salt, Or Choose A Drink Containing Electrolytes
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Avoid High-Sugar Ice Drinks: Sugary Drinks Can Actually Accelerate Dehydration. If You Want To Drink Ice, Sugar-Free Tea Or Lemonade Is A Better Choice
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Eat Small And Frequent Meals: Large Meals Will Increase The Body'S Heat Production (Digestion Itself Produces Heat), Changing To Small And Frequent Meals Will Reduce The Burden On The Body.
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Be Careful With Alcohol: Although Beer Is Cold, Alcohol Can Be A Diuretic And Accelerate Dehydration. Drink An Extra Amount Of Water When Drinking
Key Takeaways
- 1 In Taiwan, summer temperatures frequently exceeded 39 degrees in 2026, and 8 counties and cities issued high temperature warnings at the same time.
- 2 The fatality rate of heat stroke can reach 30-80%. It is important to know the early symptoms and first aid procedures.
- 3 Cooling your home not only depends on air conditioning, but also can save more than 30% of electricity by using ventilation, shading, greening and other methods.
- 4 When working or exercising in high temperatures, it is a basic principle to replenish water every 15-20 minutes.
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