Summer is a glorious time of year. It’s a time for exotic vacations, backyard barbeques, and weekends at the lake. There are also instances 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 risky time if you don’t take the right precautions to properly prepare your home to accommodate the extreme outdoor temperatures of summer. 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 requires emergency medical aid and, if if not taken care of immediately, may cause harm to your kidneys, heart, brain, and muscles, and in extreme cases a heat stroke could result in death. So remember Safety First, both outside and inside your house. Find out how you can keep yourself and your family safe from overheating this summer.
Understand the indicators
You can take precautions but things can still go wrong. Know the signs of heat exhaustion and heat-related ailments: nausea, feeling faint, headache, rapid heartbeat, chest pain, breathing problems, and more. If you are outdoors and have any of these symptoms, find air-conditioned shelter immediately. If you are not feeling better within 30 minutes or are having breathing issues, loss of consciousness, or any chest pain, call your doctor as soon as possible or go to the nearest emergency room.
Have your A/C equipment checked as soon as possible
Proactive service your home’s air conditioning system will help escape a malfunction on the warmest summer days, when your air conditioning system is operating at top capacity all day and night for weeks and months. During a standard maintenance visit, an expert A/C system technician can normally avoid an emergency by finding troubles and replacing parts before they give out, and getting an ac tune up so it works like new again during the heat of summer when you want it most.
Dress lighter
Wear loose, lightweight clothes, particularly when you’re going outside. Avoid wearing dark shades, particularly black clothes, since dark colors retain heat. The color white reflects the sun and helps keep you cooler. It’s also good to purchase a wide-brimmed or gardening hat to keep the sun off your face, and avoid layering clothing.
Stay Hydrated
Make sure you stay hydrated by drinking a large volume of fluids, such as water or juice. Even if you’re not thirsty, your body can still be in need of hydration so try bringing a water bottle with you everywhere you go. When it’s exceptionally hot, especially during mid-day, steer clear of drinks with alcohol or caffeine because they can add to dehydration.
To confirm your air conditioner is in good working order and is prepared to keep you cool in case of an aircon repair emergency, call Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. We are available day or night so whenever you need us, we’re there for you.