Summer is a wonderful time of the year. It’s a time for beach vacations, backyard barbeques, 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 hazardous time if you don’t properly prepare your home to combat the extreme outdoor temperatures of the season. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are dangerous conditions ‘that can take place when the body becomes overheated, and it can take place anywhere, outside or in your home. A heat stroke demands emergency medical treatment and, if treatment is not received, may cause injury to your brain, heart, kidneys, and muscles, and in extreme cases a heat stroke may be fatal. So keep in mind Safety First, both inside and outside your home. Learn how you can make sure you and your family are safe from heat ailments this summer.
Understand the symptoms
You can be diligent but things can still happen. Know the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat-related ailments: nausea, dizziness, headache, rapid heartbeat, pain in your chest, trouble breathing, and more. If you are outdoors and have any of these symptoms, go into air-conditioned shelter as soon as possible. If you do have have improvement within 30 minutes or are having trouble breathing, loss of consciousness, or pain in your chest, call your doctor as soon as possible or go to the nearest ER.
Have your air conditioning system checked as soon as possible
Proactive maintenance of your home’s A/C equipment will help prevent a breakdown on the hottest summer days, when your A/C system is operating at top capacity around the clock for weeks and months. During an annual maintenance call, an expert air conditioning technician can typically prevent an emergency by finding problems and replacing parts before they breakdown, and getting an ac tune up so it is ready to keep you cool throughout the summer when you want it most.
Dress lighter
Wear loose, lightweight fabric, especially when you’re going outdoors. Avoid wearing dark colors, specifically black clothing, since dark colors absorb heat. The color white reflects the sun and helps keep you cooler. It’s also a great idea to invest in a wide-brimmed or gardening hat to keep the sun off your face, and avoid layering clothing.
Stay Hydrated
Help keep you and your loved ones hydrated by drinking lots of fluids, especially 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 at all times. When it’s exceptionally hot, especially during mid-day, stay away from drinks that include alcohol or caffeine since they can contribute to dehydration.
To make sure your air conditioner is in good working order and is equipped to keep your home cool in the event of an aircon repair emergency, call Teays Valley Service Experts. We are available day or night so whenever you need us, we’re there for you.