Summer is a wonderful time of year. It’s a time for beach vacations, deck parties, and afternoons at the lake. There are also days when it’s best to escape the summer heat by staying inside. It can also be a dangerous time if the correct precautions aren’t taken to prepare your home to accommodate the extreme outside temperatures of this time of year. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are urgent conditions ‘that can occur when the body becomes overheated, and it can occur anywhere, outside or in your home. A heat stroke requires emergency medical attention and, if untreated, may cause injury to your heart, brain, kidneys, and muscles, and in severe cases a heat stroke may be fatal. So keep in mind Safety First, both inside and outside your home. Find out how you can keep yourself and your family safe from overheating this summer.
Know the signs
You can be careful but things can still go wrong. Know the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat-related conditions: nausea, feeling faint, headache, rapid heartbeat, chest pain, issues with breathing, and more. If you are out of your home and have any of these symptoms, seek 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 pain in your chest, call your doctor immediately or go to the nearest ER.
Have your A/C equipment checked ASAP
Proactively servicing your home’s air conditioning system will help prevent a breakdown on the warmest summer days, when your AC equipment is operating at top capacity 24/7 for weeks and months. During a proactive maintenance service, an expert AC technician can typically avert an emergency by locating problems and replacing parts before they breakdown, and cleaning and tuning the air conditioner so it is ready to keep you cool throughout the summer when you want it most.
Dress lighter
Wear loose, lightweight clothes, particularly when you’re going to be outside. Stay away from dark hues, particularly black fabrics, since dark colors absorb heat. The color white is a better choice since it reflects the sun. It’s also good to wear a wide-brimmed or gardening hat to keep the sun off your face, and never layer clothing.
Stay Hydrated
Help keep you and your loved ones hydrated by drinking lots of fluids, such as 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 heat waves come in or it’s the middle of the day, avoid drinks that include alcohol or caffeine since they can accelerate dehydration.
To ensure your A/C system is in good health and is prepared to keep your home cool if there’s an emergency, call Fras-Air/General Service Experts. We are available day or night so whenever you need us, we’re there for you.