Summer is an incredible time of the year. It’s a time for exotic vacations, backyard barbeques, and evenings at the lake. There are also days 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 serious conditions ‘that can occur when the body becomes overheated, and it can happen anywhere, outdoors or indoors. A heat stroke needs emergency medical aid and, if untreated, may cause harm to your heart, brain, kidneys, and muscles, and in intense cases a heat stroke could result in death. So keep in mind Safety First, both inside and outside your home. Discover how you can keep your loved ones safe from heat ailments this summer.
Recognize the signs
You can be careful but things can still happen. Recognize the indicators of heat exhaustion and heat-related conditions: nausea, fainting, headache, rapid heartbeat, chest pain, breathing problems, and more. If you are outdoors and display any of these symptoms, find air-conditioned shelter straightaway. If you are not feeling better within 30 minutes or are having breathing problems, loss of consciousness, or chest pains, 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 prevent a failure on the high temperature summer days, when your air conditioner is functioning at maximum capacity 24/7 for weeks and months. During a proactive maintenance call, an expert A/C system technician can typically prevent an emergency by finding troubles and replacing parts before they go out, and cleaning and tuning the air conditioner so it is ready to keep you cool throughout the 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 avoid layering clothing.
Hydrate
Help keep you and your loved ones hydrated by drinking a large volume of fluids, especially water or juice. Even if you’re not thirsty, your body can still be in need of hydration so try to keep a water bottle with you at all times. When heat waves come in or it’s the middle of the day, stay away from drinks that include alcohol or caffeine since they can add to dehydration.
To make sure your air conditioner is in good health and is ready to keep your home 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.