Beat the Heat! Stay Cool as the Summer Starts

Tips to Stay Cool During a Las Vegas Heat Wave

Las Vegas, renowned for its dazzling lights and bustling casinos, also boasts one of the hottest climates in the United States. During a heat wave, temperatures can soar well above 110°F (43°C), posing significant challenges to both residents and visitors. Staying cool in such extreme conditions requires a combination of smart planning, practical strategies, and an understanding of how to protect yourself from the oppressive heat. Here are some essential tips to help you stay cool and safe during a Las Vegas heat wave.


Stay Hydrated

Hydration is key. In extreme heat, your body loses fluids rapidly through sweat, and failing to replace these fluids can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion, or even heat stroke. To combat this, make it a habit to drink water throughout the day, aiming for at least 8-10 glasses, and even more if you are active. Carry a refillable water bottle with you, and consider drinking electrolyte solutions if you're sweating heavily. Avoid drinks that can dehydrate you, such as those containing caffeine and alcohol, as they increase urine output and exacerbate dehydration.


Wear Appropriate Clothing

Light, loose-fitting clothing is essential for staying cool in the heat. Choose breathable fabrics like cotton or linen that allow sweat to evaporate, providing a cooling effect. Loose clothing also promotes better air circulation around your body, enhancing cooling. Opt for light-colored clothes as they reflect, rather than absorb, the sun's rays, reducing heat absorption. Accessories like wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses can protect your face and eyes from direct sunlight, further helping you stay cool.


Seek Shade and Air Conditioning

Minimize exposure to direct sunlight by staying indoors during peak heat hours, typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. When outdoors, seek shade as much as possible. Utilize air-conditioned environments like shopping malls, libraries, and cinemas to cool down. If you need to be outside, take frequent breaks in the shade or air-conditioned spaces to allow your body to cool down. Public places with air conditioning can provide much-needed relief, especially if your home is not well-cooled.


Use Sunscreen

Protect your skin by applying broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. UV rays from the sun can cause sunburn, which impairs your skin's ability to regulate temperature and can lead to dehydration. Apply sunscreen generously to all exposed skin 15-30 minutes before going outside, and reapply every two hours, or more frequently if you're swimming or sweating. Don't forget areas like your ears, neck, and the tops of your feet, which are often overlooked.


Plan Outdoor Activities Wisely

Engage in outdoor activities early in the morning or late in the evening when temperatures are cooler. Limit strenuous activities during peak heat hours to reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses. If you must exercise, do so in shaded areas or opt for indoor activities in air-conditioned spaces. Always listen to your body; if you start to feel dizzy, lightheaded, or excessively sweaty, take a break and hydrate.


Keep Your Living Space Cool

Optimize your home environment by using air conditioning, fans, and blackout curtains to keep your living space cool. If you don't have air conditioning, consider spending time in public places that do. Use fans strategically; placing a bowl of ice in front of a fan can create a cooling breeze. Close curtains or blinds during the hottest part of the day to block out the sun, and open windows in the evening when temperatures drop to allow cooler air to circulate.


Eat Light and Stay Cool

Choose lighter meals that are easier to digest, such as salads and fruits. Heavy, hot meals can increase your body temperature. Additionally, enjoy cold treats like ice cream or popsicles to help lower your body temperature. Eating smaller, more frequent meals can also help keep you cool. Foods with high water content, such as cucumbers, watermelon, and leafy greens, can aid in hydration and help maintain your body's cooling mechanisms.


Stay Informed

Monitor weather forecasts and heat advisories. Stay informed about the heat index and any warnings issued by local authorities. Knowing the forecast can help you plan your activities and stay safe. Many weather apps provide real-time updates and alerts for extreme weather conditions. Local news outlets also provide valuable information on cooling centers and emergency measures during heat waves.


Use Cooling Products

Explore cooling products such as cooling towels, misting fans, and portable air conditioners. These can provide instant relief from the heat. Cooling towels can be soaked in water and placed around your neck or wrists to lower your body temperature. Misting fans can provide a refreshing spray of water, and portable air conditioners can be used to cool specific areas in your home. Carry a spray bottle filled with water to mist your face and neck when you feel overheated.


Look Out for Vulnerable Individuals

Check on the elderly, children, and pets, as they are more susceptible to heat-related illnesses. Ensure they are staying cool and hydrated. Never leave children or pets in parked vehicles, as temperatures can rise dangerously high within minutes. Make sure they have access to plenty of water and a cool environment. Elderly individuals may not sense heat changes as quickly and can be at greater risk, so check on them regularly and help them stay cool.


Recognizing Heat-Related Illnesses

Be aware of the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea, and headaches. If you or someone else exhibits these symptoms, move to a cooler place, drink water, and rest. Heat stroke is more severe, with symptoms such as high body temperature, confusion, rapid pulse, and possible unconsciousness. Seek immediate medical attention if heat stroke is suspected. It's crucial to act quickly, as heat stroke can cause permanent damage or even be fatal.


Battling the heat in Las Vegas during a heat wave requires vigilance and proactive measures. By staying hydrated, wearing appropriate clothing, seeking shade, and using air conditioning, you can significantly reduce the risks associated with extreme heat. Stay cool, stay informed, and take care of yourself and those around you to enjoy all that Las Vegas has to offer, even in the height of summer.

Step Into the Shadows: Exploring Las Vegas’ Mob Museum

July 28, 2025
Tucked away in the heart of Downtown Las Vegas, just steps from the flashing lights of Fremont Street, the Mob Museum offers something wildly different than the typical Vegas experience. Officially known as the National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement, this one-of-a-kind destination invites you to step into the gritty, gripping world of the American mob—and the people who tried to stop it. Housed in a historic 1930s U.S. Post Office and Courthouse—where real mob hearings took place—the building itself sets the tone. This is no ordinary museum. It’s immersive, intense, and at times, jaw-dropping Your journey begins at the top, tracing the rise of organized crime through Prohibition. Real artifacts tell real stories, including the actual bullet-riddled brick wall from Chicago’s infamous St. Valentine’s Day Massacre. As you make your way down each floor, the exhibits dive deeper into how the mob operated, how Las Vegas became a haven for crime families, and how law enforcement fought back - with wiretaps, undercover agents, and televised trials that captivated the nation. One of the museum’s standout features is its fully restored courtroom, where the 1950s Kefauver Hearings were held - bringing mob activity into the public spotlight for the first time. It’s surreal to sit in the very space where America watched the mob be put on trial. Downstairs, visitors can try hands-on exhibits like a police training simulator, or step into a forensics lab to test their CSI skills. But the real hidden gem is in the basement: The Underground, a fully functioning speakeasy and distillery that serves up Prohibition-style cocktails and house-made moonshine. It's a delicious way to end your tour through history. Beyond the drama and intrigue, what makes the Mob Museum truly special is how educational and engaging it is. It’s not just about the mobsters—it’s about the impact organized crime had on American culture, law, and justice. Whether you're a true crime junkie, history buff, or just looking for something different to do in Vegas, the Mob Museum is a must-visit. It’s raw, real, and fascinating from start to finish. L ocation: 300 Stewart Ave, Las Vegas, NV Hours: Daily 9am–9pm Admission: Starts around $35; discounts available for Nevada residents, students, military & law enforcement Don’t Miss: The Underground speakeasy (open later hour s)

800+ 5-Star Reviews and Counting: Why Las Vegas Trusts McKenna Property Management

July 21, 2025
McKenna Property Management is proud to have earned over 800 five-star reviews on Google — real feedback from property owners, investors, agents, and tenants all across Las Vegas who’ve experienced the difference working with us makes. Led by our owner and broker Jenni McKenna, with over 30 years of local real estate experience, we focus on making property management smooth, efficient, and refreshingly personal. We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all service or sending you in circles with automated systems. When you call our office, you’ll get a live person on the phone — not a robot or endless phone tree. Our team is organized into specialized departments, so whether it’s leasing, maintenance coordination, accounting, or HOA coordination, you’re always connected with the right person who knows how to help. That means quicker responses, clearer communication, and less frustration all around. Owners and investors trust us to handle everything from marketing and tenant screening to rent collection and repairs, helping maximize returns without the usual headaches. Agents feel confident referring clients to us because they know we respect their relationships — when it’s time for their clients to buy or sell, we never interfere or poach. Our focus remains solely on providing top-tier property management, while preserving and protecting their business. And tenants enjoy well-maintained homes, easy online systems, and a team that truly listens and responds. At McKenna Property Management, we treat every property like it’s our own and every person like part of our community. If you’re looking for reliable, experienced property management in Las Vegas with real people and real results, we’d love to connect.

Discovering Fergusons Downtown: Vegas’s Creative Heartbeat

July 14, 2025
Tucked at 1028 Fremont Street, Fergusons Downtown is where the spirit of old Vegas meets the creativity of a new generation. Once a mid-century motel, the property has been transformed into a vibrant community hub that pulses with life, art, food, and connection - a must-visit for anyone seeking the authentic soul of Las Vegas beyond the glow of the Strip. Originally the Franklin Motel in the 1940s and later renamed Fergusons Motel in the ’60s, the site was reimagined in 2019 by the late Tony Hsieh’s Downtown Project. What was once a simple roadside motel is now a full city block dedicated to innovation, small business, and creative risk-taking. The former motel rooms have been turned into studios and retail spaces, now home to an eclectic mix of local businesses. You’ll find everything from Neon Cactus Vintage to plantlovers’ haven LV Plant Collective. For foodies, Fergusons delivers with the Vegas Test Kitchen, a rotating lineup of pop-up culinary concepts that keep things fresh. Highlights include Mothership Coffee Roasters (offering everything from vegan pastries to charcuterie), La Monja for ceviche and housemade tortillas, and Hatsumi for seafood and sake with a Japanese twist. Cocktail lovers can settle into F the Bar, a cozy greenhouse-style lounge serving drinks like the hibiscuslavender “Vegas Playground.” At the center of the space is Big Rig Jig—a towering, 50-foot sculpture made from repurposed oil tankers. It’s bold, unexpected, and the perfect metaphor for what Fergusons stands for: turning the ordinary into something unforgettable. The community vibe continues in The Yard, a grassy gathering space that hosts jam sessions, yoga classes, comedy nights, open mics, and weekend markets. Monthly events like the Hey Maker Market and Pour in the Alley spotlight local artisans, performers, and mixologists, making every visit feel new. Fergusons Downtown isn’t just a redevelopment project—it’s a living ecosystem. It’s where artists, entrepreneurs, families, and visitors collide over coffee, cocktails, creativity, and conversation. It’s a place that proves Vegas is more than casinos and clubs; it’s a city full of soul. If you're ready to experience a different kind of Las Vegas—one rooted in community, creativity, and a touch of magic—step into Fergusons and see what’s blooming in the heart of downtown.