Summer is a lovely season. It’s a time for exotic vacations, deck parties, and afternoons at the lake. There are also times when it’s best to dodge 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 outside temperatures of the season. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are urgent conditions ‘that can occur when the body becomes overheated, and it can happen anywhere, outside and inside. A heat stroke needs emergency medical aid and, if treatment is not received, may cause damage to your kidneys, heart, brain, and muscles, and in severe cases a heat stroke may be fatal. So think 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.
Recognize the symptoms
You can be careful but things can still happen. Recognize the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat-related ailments: nausea, fainting, headache, rapid heartbeat, pain in your chest, issues with breathing, and more. If you are out of your home and exhibit any of these symptoms, seek air-conditioned shelter immediately. If you are not feeling better within 30 minutes or are having breathing problems, loss of consciousness, or chest pains, call your doctor immediately or go to the nearest hospital.
Have your A/C equipment checked as soon as possible
Proactive maintenance of your home’s AC will help escape a malfunction on the high temperature summer days, when your AC equipment is functioning at full capacity all day and night for weeks and months. During a standard maintenance visit, an expert air conditioning technician can usually prevent an emergency by locating troubles and replacing parts before they breakdown, and getting an ac tune up so it works like new again throughout the summer when its needed the most.
Dress lighter
Wear loose, lightweight fabric, particularly when you’re going outdoors. Avoid wearing dark hues, particularly black clothes, since dark colors retain heat. The color white reflects the sun and helps keep you cooler. It’s also good to wear a wide-brimmed or gardening hat to avoid the sun on your face, and don’t layer clothing.
Hydrate
Keep yourself 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 always. During a heat wave or peak heat of the day, avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine because they can add to dehydration.
To make sure your air conditioner is in good shape and is ready to keep your family cool in the event of an aircon repair emergency, call Neal Harris Service Experts. We are available around the clock so whenever you need us, we are ready for you.