Some people ‘just have to sweat it out’
Amish cope with heat without air conditioning
When it comes to dealing with the oppressive heat that has enveloped much of the country over the last few days, it is easy for most people to crank up the air conditioner and avoid the discomfort of the overbearing temperatures.
For some, however, like those members of the Amish community who eschew electricity, there is no easy relief.
“We just have to sweat it out,” said Willis Yoder of Charm. “We open windows whenever we can and leave the door swinging open so we can take advantage of whatever breeze we get.
“It’s all a matter of what you’re used to,” Yoder said. “If you’ve never had air conditioning, you don’t really know what you’re missing. You just kinda get used to it.”
He added it’s got to be tougher on people who go in and out from air conditioned buildings all day.
Just as God provides a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat, as the prophet Isaiah said in 25:4, the Amish community does what it can to make the long, hot days of summer bearable.
They use fans whenever they can, but for the most part, they simply just grin and bear it.
“If you’ve never had air conditioning, you don’t really know what you’re missing. You just kinda get used to it.” Willis Yoder
Dress heat appropriate and stay hydrated
Jason Troyer, Holmes County Emergency Management director, said it is important for everyone, both Amish and English, to stay inside as much as possible and make sure there is good air circulation inside the house.
“It is important to dress appropriately and, most importantly, stay hydrated with water or Gatorade,” Troyer said. “Also, just not overdoing out in the hot temperatures. If you have to be outside, limit it, and take several breaks.”
Stefanie Norman, retired Ohio State Highway Patrol Post commander, still helps coordinate the annual Amish Health and Safety Day activities in Holmes County because it’s something she feels is very important.
This year’s event will be held indoors at the Holmes County Training Center today.
“For us English, this is a challenge, because there’s no air conditioning, but it’s something the Amish deal with all the time,” Norman said. “It may be a little taste of reality for us.”
Like Troyer, she emphasized the importance of staying hydrated and trying to stay out of the sun as much as possible.
“It is important to avoid enclosed areas,” Norman said. “Try to make sure you are in an area that has some wind flow blowing. Anything you can do to possibly keep yourself cooler, do it.”
She suggests a cool wet towel on the neck to provide relief and limiting your activity and resting whenever possible.
Work outside? Keep a cool bucket of water and towel handy
“Try and keep a bucket of water available and a towel,” she said. “This goes for anybody who works outside in this extreme heat − not just the Amish. I would recommend anybody that’s outside, make sure you are paying attention to whoever is out with them. Make sure you recognize the signs of heat stroke, and make sure that the others are not pushing the limits.”
Signs she looks for that may indicate heat stroke include when people stop sweating and if they stop talking. Other signs include confusion, agitation, nausea and dizziness.