Avoiding Indoor Heat Stroke
Summer is a glorious time of year. It’s a time for exotic vacations, backyard barbeques, and afternoons at the lake. There are also times 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 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 ‘that can take place when the body becomes overheated, and it can occur anywhere, outside and inside. A heat stroke requires emergency medical attention and, if untreated, may cause injury to your kidneys, heart, brain, and muscles, and in severe cases a heat stroke could be deadly. So remember Safety First, both outside and inside your house. Learn how you can keep your loved ones safe from overheating this summer.
Know the indicators
You can take precautions but things can still go wrong. Know the indicators of heat exhaustion and heat-related sicknesses: nausea, fainting, headache, rapid heartbeat, pain in your chest, issues with breathing, and more. If you are outside and exhibit any of these symptoms, find air-conditioned shelter immediately. If you do not feel better within 30 minutes or are having trouble breathing, loss of consciousness, or pain in your chest, call your doctor straightaway or go to the nearest emergency room.
Have your home’s AC checked as soon as possible
Proactively maintaining your home’s A/C equipment will help escape a breakdown on the warmest summer days, when your air conditioner is running at top capacity 24/7 for weeks and months. During a routine maintenance visit, an expert air conditioning technician can usually avoid an emergency by finding problems and replacing parts before they give out, and getting an ac tune up so it is in tip-top shape throughout the summer when you want it most.
Dress lighter
Wear loose, lightweight fabric, specifically when you’re going outside. Don’t wear dark colors, specifically black fabrics, since dark colors hold 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 avoid the sun on your face, and don’t layer clothing.
Stay Hydrated
Keep yourself hydrated by drinking a large volume 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 carrying a water bottle with you at all times. When heat waves come in or it’s the middle of the day, steer clear of drinks with alcohol or caffeine because they can accelerate dehydration.
To confirm your AC is in good working order and is ready to keep you cool if there’s an aircon repair emergency, call Aramendia Plumbing, Heating and Air. We are available 24/7/365 so whenever you need us, we’re there for you.