Summer is a lovely season. It’s a time for family vacations, patio parties, and evenings at the lake. There are also instances when it’s best to escape the summer heat by staying inside. It can also be a scary time if you don’t take the right precautions to properly prepare your home to accommodate the extreme outdoor temperatures of this time of year. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are urgent conditions ‘caused by the body becoming overheated, and it can take place anywhere, outdoors or indoors. A heat stroke demands emergency medical treatment and, if if not taken care of immediately, may cause damage to your kidneys, heart, brain, and muscles, and in severe cases a heat stroke may be fatal. So keep in mind Safety First, both indoors and outdoors. Learn how you can make sure you and your family are safe from overheating this summer.
Know the indicators
You can be careful but sometimes that’s not enough. Know the indicators of heat exhaustion and heat-related illnesses: nausea, fainting, headache, rapid heartbeat, pain radiating in your chest, trouble breathing, and more. If you are out of your home and exhibit any of these symptoms, go into air-conditioned shelter immediately. If you do have have improvement within 30 minutes or are having trouble breathing, loss of consciousness, or chest pains, call your doctor as soon as possible or go to the nearest hospital.
Have your A/C equipment checked ASAP
Proactive maintenance of your home’s A/C equipment will help avoid a failure on the hottest summer days, when your A/C system is running at full capacity around the clock for weeks and months. During an annual maintenance service, an expert AC technician can normally avoid an emergency by locating troubles and replacing parts before they go out, and getting an ac tune up so it works like new again throughout the summer when you need it the most.
Dress lighter
Wear loose, lightweight clothing, particularly when you’re going to be outdoors. Stay away from dark hues, specifically black clothing, since dark colors hold 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 keep the sun off your face, and never layer clothing.
Hydrate
Make sure you stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, including water or juice. Although you may not be thirsty, your body may still be in need of hydration so try to keep a water bottle with you at all times. During a heat wave or peak heat of the day, avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine because they can contribute to dehydration.
To make sure your AC is in good working order and is equipped to keep you cool in the event of an aircon repair emergency, call Finch Air Conditioning & Heating. We are available around the clock so whenever you need us, we are ready for you.