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Hot temperatures are expected to stay with us for a few more days. The 90 degree temperatures are driving up power demand across the region.

This week, TVA offered some money saving tips on electric bills. They include:

– Unplug appliances when not in use.

– Use major appliances early in the morning and late at night.

– Fire up the grill. Use your grill outside for cooking rather than indoor kitchen appliances.

– Set the thermostat at 78 degrees or higher.

– Keep blinds and curtains closed on the sunny side of your home.

– Use ceiling and floor fans to keep air moving in your home.

Also to help with saving money on your electric bills, the Elizabethton Electric Department is recommending residents raise temperatures on their thermostats to conserve energy.

Some tips to beat the heat:

DRINK LOTS OF WATER. Hydration is key when your body is trying to maintain homeostasis, or the regulated state (in this case, at a decent temperature). Sweating, though kind of unappealing sometimes, is your body’s way of cooling you down.

Contrary to popular belief, while iced water is your safest bet in cooling you down, things like pop or energy drinks will also help you cool down. Any liquid is better than no liquid.

Having said that, make sure you’re not drinking coffee, as it’s a diuretic and can have dehydrating effects.

AVOID THE SUN BETWEEN 11 A.M. AND 2 P.M. The sun is the hottest between 11am and 2pm, and sunburns are most likely to happen during that period. Limiting your exposure will limit your chances of overheating. If you can’t get around not being outside during those hours, make sure you dress appropriately.

DRESS APPROPRIATELY. Wear loose, breathable (think: cotton) clothing and footwear that won’t leave your feet sweaty. Hats are also crucial for blazing hot weather, keeping you cool by providing shade. Sunglasses will protect your eyes from damaging UV rays.

COOL DOWN YOUR HOT ZONES. Your pressure points are your secret key to happiness! Applying a little ice pack or a bottle filled with iced water will help you cool down immediately.

These pressure points are:;  Ankles, behind the knees, wrists, elbow bends, neck, and temples.

EAT LIGHT FOODS. Choose chilled items for lunch.

By following these tips, you’ll be able to enjoy your summer without suffering through the heat. Remember to reapply sunscreen every few hours to make sure you reduce the risk of burning!

SHUT OUT THE SUN. If you don’t have shades or curtains, it’s not too late to invest. Natural light is a summertime perk, but curtains can help “block solar radiation from the sun from heating the air inside your home, effectively keeping your abode cooler,” Dr. Pryor says. The exact type you use is “unlikely” to make a significant difference, he adds, so use whatever works best for your home and budget.

CUT DOWN ON STRENUOUS EXERCISE. Exercise is OK if you know how to reduce the time and intensity of the workout. If you typically run three miles, you might instead run one or two during a cooler time of the day, have water with you or nearby, and take breaks to check in on how your body feels.

PROTECT YOURSELF FROM UV RAYS. When you’re outside, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and broad-spectrum sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 30 will help keep your skin safe from sunburn and heat rash, both of which can make your body feel hotter. (Don’t forget to reapply every two hours if you’re cooling off at the pool or at the beach!)