Summer is a glorious season. It’s a time for beach vacations, backyard barbeques, and weekends at the lake. There are also times when it’s best to avoid the summer heat by staying inside. It can also be a risky time if you don’t properly prepare your home to combat the extreme external temperatures of summer. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are urgent conditions ‘that can occur when the body becomes overheated, and it can happen anywhere, outdoors or indoors. A heat stroke requires emergency medical aid and, if if not taken care of immediately, may cause harm to your heart, brain, 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. Find out how you can keep yourself and your family safe from overheating this summer.
Recognize the indicators
You can be diligent but sometimes that’s not enough. Recognize the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat-related ailments: nausea, feeling faint, headache, rapid heartbeat, pain radiating in your chest, breathing problems, and more. If you are outside and display any of these symptoms, seek air-conditioned shelter as soon as possible. If you do not feel better within 30 minutes or are having breathing problems, loss of consciousness, or any chest pain, call your doctor straightaway or go to the nearest emergency room.
Have your air conditioning system checked as soon as possible
Proactively servicing your home’s air conditioning system will help prevent a failure on the high temperature summer days, when your AC equipment is running at full capacity 24/7 for weeks and months. During an annual maintenance call, an expert AC technician can normally prevent an emergency by locating troubles and replacing parts before they breakdown, and getting an ac tune up so it is in tip-top shape during the heat of summer when you need it the most.
Dress lighter
Wear loose, lightweight clothing, particularly 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 wear a wide-brimmed or gardening hat to help stop the sun from shining down on your face, and don’t layer clothing.
Stay Hydrated
Help keep you and your loved ones hydrated by drinking lots of fluids, including 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 everywhere you go. When heat waves come in or it’s the middle of the day, steer clear of drinks with alcohol or caffeine because they can contribute to dehydration.
To confirm your air conditioner is in good health and is prepared to keep your home cool in case of an aircon repair emergency, call Coastal Service Experts. We are available 24/7/365 so whenever you need us, we’re there for you.