Summer is an exciting time of year. It’s a time for beach vacations, deck parties, and evenings at the lake. There are also instances 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 hazardous time if you don’t properly prepare your home to withstand the extreme outdoor temperatures of summer. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are urgent conditions ‘caused by the body becoming overheated, and it can take place anywhere, outside and inside. A heat stroke requires emergency medical attention 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 keep in mind Safety First, both inside and outside your home. Find out how you can keep yourself and your family safe from heat sickness this summer.
Understand the symptoms
You can be diligent but sometimes that’s not enough. Understand the signs of heat exhaustion and heat-related illnesses: nausea, fainting, headache, rapid heartbeat, pain radiating in your chest, trouble breathing, and more. If you are outdoors and show any of these symptoms, go into air-conditioned shelter as soon as possible. If you are not feeling better within 30 minutes or are having breathing issues, loss of consciousness, or pain in your chest, call your doctor immediately or go to the nearest emergency room.
Have your A/C equipment checked as soon as possible
Proactively maintaining your home’s AC will help avoid a breakdown on the high temperature summer days, when your A/C system is operating at maximum capacity all day and night for weeks and months. During an annual maintenance service, an expert AC technician can typically avoid an emergency by discovering issues and replacing parts before they breakdown, and getting an ac tune up so it works like new again during the heat of summer when its needed the most.
Dress lighter
Wear loose, lightweight fabric, especially when you’re going to be outside. Stay away from dark hues, specifically black fabrics, since dark colors retain heat. The color white helps keep you cooler by reflecting the sun. It’s also good to wear a wide-brimmed or gardening hat to avoid the sun on 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 to keep a water bottle with you everywhere you go. During a heat wave or peak heat of the day, avoid drinks containing caffeine or alcohol since they can add to dehydration.
To make sure your air conditioner is in good working order and is equipped to keep you cool in case of an aircon repair emergency, call Rob's Albertan Service Experts. We are available around the clock so whenever you need us, we are here for you.