Summer is an exciting time of the year. It’s a time for beach vacations, deck parties, and afternoons at the lake. There are also days when it’s best to avoid 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 properly prepare your home to combat the extreme external temperatures of this time of year. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are urgent conditions ‘caused by the body becoming overheated, and it can happen anywhere, outside and inside. A heat stroke requires emergency medical care and, if untreated, may cause damage to your brain, heart, kidneys, and muscles, and in extreme cases a heat stroke could be deadly. So keep in mind Safety First, both indoors and outdoors. Find out how you can keep your loved ones safe from heat sickness this summer.
Recognize the signs
You can be diligent but things can still happen. Know the signs of heat exhaustion and heat-related ailments: nausea, fainting, headache, rapid heartbeat, chest pain, breathing problems, and more. If you are outdoors and show any of these symptoms, seek air-conditioned shelter straightaway. If you do have have improvement within 30 minutes or are having trouble breathing, loss of consciousness, or chest pains, call your doctor immediately or go to the nearest emergency room.
Have your home’s AC checked immediately
Proactively maintaining your home’s air conditioner will help prevent a failure on the high temperature summer days, when your AC equipment is operating at maximum capacity 24/7 for weeks and months. During a proactive maintenance call, an expert A/C system technician can usually avert an emergency by locating issues 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 outdoors. Stay away from dark shades, specifically black fabrics, since dark colors retain 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 avoid layering clothing.
Stay Hydrated
Keep yourself hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, especially water or juice. Just because you are not thirsty doesn’t mean your body isn’t in need of hydration so try to keep a water bottle with you always. When it’s exceptionally hot, especially during mid-day, stay away from drinks containing caffeine or alcohol since they can accelerate dehydration.
To ensure your A/C system is in good health and is ready to keep your family cool in the event of an aircon repair emergency, call Donelson Air Service Experts. We are available 24/7/365 so whenever you need us, we are ready for you.