Summer is a glorious time of the year. It’s a time for exotic vacations, backyard barbeques, and weekends at the lake. There are also times when it’s best to avoid the summer heat by spending the day in an air conditioned home or building. It can also be a hazardous time if you don’t properly prepare your home to withstand the extreme outdoor temperatures of the season. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are urgent conditions ‘that can occur when the body becomes overheated, and it can occur anywhere, outdoors or indoors. A heat stroke commands emergency medical treatment and, if treatment is not received, may cause injury to your brain, heart, kidneys, and muscles, and in intense cases a heat stroke could result in death. So keep in mind Safety First, both indoors and outdoors. Discover how you can keep your loved ones safe from heat ailments this summer.
Recognize the signs
You can take precautions but things can still happen. Recognize the indicators of heat exhaustion and heat-related conditions: nausea, dizziness, headache, rapid heartbeat, chest pain, trouble breathing, and more. If you are outside and display any of these symptoms, seek air-conditioned shelter straightaway. If you are not feeling better within 30 minutes or are having breathing problems, loss of consciousness, or any chest pain, call your doctor as soon as possible or go to the nearest hospital.
Have your air conditioning system checked ASAP
Proactively servicing your home’s A/C equipment will help avoid a failure on the hottest summer days, when your air conditioner is functioning at top capacity 24/7 for weeks and months. During a proactive maintenance call, an expert AC technician can usually prevent an emergency by finding troubles and replacing parts before they go out, and cleaning and tuning the system so it is ready to keep you cool all summer when its needed the most.
Dress lighter
Wear loose, lightweight fabric, especially when you’re going outdoors. Avoid wearing dark colors, specifically black fabrics, since dark colors retain heat. The color white is a better choice since it reflects the sun. It also helps to purchase a wide-brimmed or gardening hat to help stop the sun from shining down on your face, and don’t layer clothing.
Hydrate
Help keep you and your loved ones hydrated by drinking a large volume of fluids, especially water or juice. Just because you are not thirsty doesn’t mean your body isn’t in need of hydration so try to keep a water bottle with you everywhere you go. When heat waves come in or it’s the middle of the day, avoid drinks that include alcohol or caffeine since they can contribute to dehydration.
To confirm your AC is in good shape and is prepared to keep you cool if there’s an emergency, call Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. We are available around the clock so whenever you need us, we’re there for you.