Summer is an exciting time of the year. It’s a time for beach vacations, backyard barbeques, and evenings at the lake. There are also days 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 outdoor temperatures of the season. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are dangerous conditions ‘caused by the body becoming overheated, and it can take place anywhere, outside or in your home. A heat stroke commands emergency medical treatment and, if treatment is not received, may cause harm to your brain, heart, kidneys, and muscles, and in severe cases a heat stroke could result in death. So remember Safety First, both inside and outside your home. Find out how you can keep your loved ones safe from heat ailments this summer.
Know the indicators
You can take precautions but sometimes that’s not enough. Recognize the symptoms 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 outdoors and have any of these symptoms, find air-conditioned shelter as soon as possible. If you do not feel better within 30 minutes or are having trouble breathing, 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 AC will help prevent a failure on the high temperature summer days, when your AC equipment is functioning at maximum capacity around the clock for weeks and months. During a standard maintenance visit, an expert AC technician can normally prevent an emergency by discovering issues and replacing parts before they give out, and cleaning and tuning the system 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. Stay away from dark shades, specifically black clothing, since dark colors absorb heat. The color white helps keep you cooler by reflecting the sun. It’s also good 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
Make sure you stay hydrated by drinking lots of fluids, including water or juice. Even if you’re not thirsty, your body can still be in need of hydration so try carrying a water bottle with you always. When it’s exceptionally hot, especially during mid-day, steer clear of drinks that include alcohol or caffeine since they can contribute to dehydration.
To make sure your A/C system is in good health and is prepared to keep you cool in case of an emergency, call Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. We are available around the clock so whenever you need us, we’re there for you.