Summer is a lovely season. It’s a time for exotic vacations, patio parties, and evenings 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 dangerous time if the correct precautions aren’t taken to prepare your home to accommodate the extreme outdoor temperatures of this time of year. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are serious conditions ‘that can take place when the body becomes overheated, and it can occur anywhere, outside or in your home. A heat stroke needs emergency medical attention and, if if not taken care of immediately, may cause damage to your brain, heart, kidneys, and muscles, and in extreme cases a heat stroke may be fatal. So think Safety First, both inside and outside your home. Find out how you can make sure you and your family are safe from overheating this summer.
Understand the signs
You can be diligent but sometimes that’s not enough. Understand the signs of heat exhaustion and heat-related illnesses: nausea, dizziness, headache, rapid heartbeat, pain radiating in your chest, issues with breathing, and more. If you are outdoors and have any of these symptoms, find air-conditioned shelter as soon as possible. If you do have have improvement within 30 minutes or are having breathing issues, loss of consciousness, or any chest pain, call your doctor immediately or go to the nearest hospital.
Have your A/C equipment checked as soon as possible
Proactive service your home’s air conditioner will help avoid a breakdown on the high temperature summer days, when your AC equipment is running at top capacity 24/7 for weeks and months. During a routine maintenance visit, an expert AC technician can normally avoid an emergency by finding troubles and replacing parts before they go out, and getting an ac tune up so it is in tip-top shape during the heat of summer when you want it most.
Dress lighter
Wear loose, lightweight clothing, specifically when you’re going outdoors. Avoid wearing dark shades, especially black fabrics, since dark colors retain heat. The color white helps keep you cooler by reflecting the sun. It also helps to invest in a wide-brimmed or gardening hat to keep the sun off your face, and don’t layer clothing.
Drink Up
Keep yourself hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, such as water or juice. Just because you are not thirsty doesn’t mean your body isn’t in need of hydration so try bringing a water bottle with you always. When heat waves come in or it’s the middle of the day, stay away from drinks with alcohol or caffeine because they can accelerate dehydration.
To confirm your AC is in good health and is ready to keep your home cool in the event of an aircon repair emergency, call Knochelmann Service Experts. We are available around the clock so whenever you need us, we’re there for you.