Summer is an exciting season. It’s a time for family vacations, deck parties, and afternoons at the lake. There are also days when it’s best to escape the summer heat by hanging out indoors. 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 serious 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 treatment is not received, may cause injury to your heart, brain, kidneys, and muscles, and in extreme cases a heat stroke could result in death. So keep in mind Safety First, both inside and outside your home. Find out how you can keep yourself and your family safe from heat sickness this summer.
Understand the signs
You can be careful but things can still happen. Know the signs of heat exhaustion and heat-related conditions: nausea, feeling faint, headache, rapid heartbeat, pain in your chest, issues with breathing, and more. If you are out of your home and have any of these symptoms, find air-conditioned shelter immediately. If you are not feeling 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 emergency room.
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 A/C system is operating at maximum capacity 24/7 for weeks and months. During a standard maintenance service, an expert AC technician can typically avert an emergency by finding problems and replacing parts before they go out, and cleaning and tuning the system so it is ready to keep you cool throughout the summer when you want it most.
Dress lighter
Wear loose, lightweight clothes, especially when you’re going to be outdoors. Avoid wearing dark shades, especially black fabrics, since dark colors hold 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 help stop the sun from shining down on your face, and never layer clothing.
Stay Hydrated
Help keep you and your loved ones hydrated by drinking lots of fluids, including 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 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 shape and is prepared to keep your home cool if there’s an emergency, call Fras-Air/General Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. We are available 24/7/365 so whenever you need us, we’re there for you.