Summer is a wonderful time of the year. It’s a time for family vacations, backyard barbeques, and weekends at the lake. There are also times when it’s best to escape the summer heat by staying inside. It can also be a hazardous time if you don’t take the right precautions to properly prepare your home to battle the extreme external temperatures of summer. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are dangerous conditions ‘that can take place when the body becomes overheated, and it can take place anywhere, outside or in your home. A heat stroke commands emergency medical treatment and, if untreated, may cause harm to your brain, heart, kidneys, and muscles, and in severe cases a heat stroke could result in death. So think Safety First, both indoors and outdoors. Learn how you can keep your loved ones safe from heat ailments this summer.
Understand the indicators
You can be careful but sometimes that’s not enough. Recognize the signs of heat exhaustion and heat-related ailments: nausea, feeling faint, headache, rapid heartbeat, pain radiating in your chest, trouble breathing, and more. If you are outside and have any of these symptoms, find air-conditioned shelter as soon as possible. If you are not feeling better within 30 minutes or are having breathing problems, loss of consciousness, or any chest pain, call your doctor straightaway or go to the nearest hospital.
Have your A/C equipment checked immediately
Proactive maintenance of your home’s air conditioner will help avoid a failure on the hottest summer days, when your AC equipment is functioning at top capacity around the clock for weeks and months. During a standard maintenance visit, an expert A/C system technician can normally prevent an emergency by discovering issues and replacing parts before they give out, and cleaning and tuning the air conditioner so it is ready to keep you cool during the heat of summer when its needed the most.
Dress lighter
Wear loose, lightweight fabric, specifically when you’re going outdoors. Avoid wearing dark hues, specifically black clothes, since dark colors absorb heat. The color white reflects the sun and helps keep you cooler. It’s also good to invest in a wide-brimmed or gardening hat to keep the sun off your face, and don’t layer clothing.
Drink Up
Keep yourself hydrated by drinking lots of fluids, such as 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 always. During a heat wave or peak heat of the day, steer clear of drinks that include alcohol or caffeine since they can add to dehydration.
To make sure your A/C system is in good shape and is prepared to keep your home cool in case of an emergency, call Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. We are available around the clock so whenever you need us, we are here for you.