There are few things I love more than a summer sky.

With Inslee's drought warning in effect throughout the state, I feel like I'm going to be enjoying that simple pleasure a little more than usual this year. Being California born and raised, having my home set fire annually is just part of the seasonal cycle, but that's just not the case for most of my Seattleite neighbors. Here are five ways to beat the heat and stay safe during the next few months. Note that I'm not a doctor, I'm just someone who grew up about a 45-minute drive from anywhere with cloud cover most days.

Wash your hands
When I was a kid growing up in drought-stricken Gilroy, California, our summer months often got into the triple digits. That doesn't mean you don't still have to live your life, but damn if it isn't more difficult to do simple chores and day-to-day tasks when the sun's beating down on you. My dad taught me a simple trick when I was a kid. When you're too hot, wash your hands in cold water, focusing on your wrists, for 30 seconds to a minute. Running Cross-Country in that devilish heat, our coaches told us the same thing. Their reasoning is that your wrists are "pulse points" where your veins are close to the surface of your skin, so it cools you down more quickly to put them under cold water. Ice packs on your neck have a similar effect. I don't know the science behind it, but I can tell you from over 20 years of experience that it works.

Spend a little time outside
Seattleites are unused to temperatures anywhere over 80 degrees. It's those first few days that really get you. When your body's still trying to adjust it works overtime to cool you down. It feels awful, and then — just like that — the weather returns to an overcast 68. Your body doesn't have time to acclimate to the new weather cycle if you're stuck inside with your fan during all that time. We're due for a lot more hot days as the ice caps melt. Dip your toe into the sunshine for a few hours on the hottest days. Put on some sunscreen, take some water with you, and go for a walk, keeping tabs on how your body feels during that time. On smoky days, wearing a mask — especially an n95 — should be your priority. Be careful not to overdo it. Heat exhaustion is real and it's awful.

Hang out by a body of water
This one seems like a no-brainer. Seattle is surrounded by water, whether it's the Sound or the many, many lakes blessing our landscape. It's always cooler down by the water, and nothing says "summer" to me more than reading in the shade near Lake Union and hoping the geese don't see me. This is a low-stress, moderately inactive way to get out of your humid, un-airconditioned apartment and getting used to the heat as the months go on. Bring a snack! Once you're out there, you might not want to go back.

Prepare your fire evacuation kit
Tired of playing Monopoly? Wish your kids would get off their PlayStation and spend some time with you over the weekend? The world is burning, and prepping an emergency kit is a great activity to do indoors with the whole family. My kit consists of a spare set of clothes, two first aid kits, a portable air mattress, a pack of cards, a solar-powered emergency radio, a ready-to-go water filter, and some dry goods, among other things. It's a lot like preparing for a long hike. I've also got a stash of water bottles in case the water goes out for any reason in my neighborhood. Can't have your neighbors passing out due to dehydration. Fun fact! The pack of cards also doubles as a set of emergency preparedness flashcards! Highly recommend for anyone with kids. They absorb knowledge like a sponge.

The trick to prepping your kit is to make sure not to over pack. It's very tempting to freak out and pack something like, say, a gas camping stove or your prized gold watch. Remember, this is about survival, and many people in this city don't have a car to help carry the load. Pack the essentials. For more tips and tricks from someone more qualified than me, head to www.doh.wa.gov/Emergencies/BePreparedBeSafe

Learn some chill recipes
If you're like me, cooking in your studio apartment quickly turns it into a smoky sauna. Recipes that don't require heat are some of my favorite ways to go about feeding myself and friends during a heat wave. Among my favorite recipes are ceviche, California rolls, and gazpacho. With a little research, you'll find your favorite no-heat meals in no time!

My sincerest hope is that this list helps you in the upcoming months and years as the oceans rise and our way of life changes forever. In 10 years, Hot Girl Summer might start in spring and end in winter! Stay cool out there!