Summer is a wonderful time of the year. It’s a time for exotic vacations, deck parties, and afternoons at the lake. There are also days when it’s best to escape the summer heat by spending the day in an air conditioned home or building. It can also be a risky time if the correct precautions aren’t taken to prepare your home to withstand the extreme external temperatures of this time of year. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are serious conditions ‘caused by the body becoming overheated, and it can take place anywhere, outdoors or indoors. A heat stroke commands emergency medical aid and, if treatment is not received, may cause injury to your kidneys, heart, brain, and muscles, and in extreme cases a heat stroke could be deadly. So think Safety First, both indoors and outdoors. Learn how you can make sure you and your family are safe from overheating this summer.
Recognize the indicators
You can be careful but things can still go wrong. Know the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat-related sicknesses: nausea, dizziness, headache, rapid heartbeat, pain in your chest, issues with breathing, and more. If you are outdoors and display any of these symptoms, seek air-conditioned shelter straightaway. If you do have have improvement within 30 minutes or are having breathing issues, loss of consciousness, or any chest pain, call your doctor immediately or go to the nearest hospital.
Have your air conditioning system checked as soon as possible
Proactively maintaining your home’s A/C equipment will help avoid a failure on the high temperature summer days, when your A/C system is running at maximum capacity 24/7 for weeks and months. During an annual maintenance service, an expert AC technician can typically avoid an emergency by locating issues and replacing parts before they breakdown, and getting an ac tune up so it is in tip-top shape all summer when you want it most.
Dress lighter
Wear loose, lightweight fabric, especially when you’re going to be outside. Don’t wear dark colors, specifically black clothes, since dark colors absorb heat. The color white helps keep you cooler by reflecting the sun. It’s also good to wear a wide-brimmed or gardening hat to keep the sun off your face, and avoid layering clothing.
Stay Hydrated
Make sure you stay hydrated by drinking lots 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 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 add to dehydration.
To make sure your air conditioner is in good shape and is equipped to keep your home cool in the event of an aircon repair emergency, call Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. We are available around the clock so whenever you need us, we are ready for you.