Avoiding Indoor Heat Stroke
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 times when it’s best to escape the summer heat by staying inside. It can also be a risky time if you don’t properly prepare your home to battle the extreme external temperatures of summer. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are dangerous conditions ‘that can occur when the body becomes overheated, and it can happen anywhere, outdoors or indoors. A heat stroke commands emergency medical care and, if if not taken care of immediately, may cause injury to your heart, brain, kidneys, and muscles, and in extreme cases a heat stroke could result in death. So keep in mind Safety First, both inside and outside your home. Find out how you can keep your loved ones safe from overheating this summer.
Understand the symptoms
You can be diligent but sometimes that’s not enough. Recognize the signs of heat exhaustion and heat-related conditions: nausea, feeling faint, headache, rapid heartbeat, pain radiating in your chest, issues with breathing, and more. If you are outdoors and display any of these symptoms, go into air-conditioned shelter immediately. If you do not feel better within 30 minutes or are having breathing problems, loss of consciousness, or pain in your chest, call your doctor as soon as possible or go to the nearest ER.
Have your A/C equipment checked immediately
Proactively servicing your home’s AC will help avoid a malfunction on the hottest summer days, when your air conditioning system is operating at maximum capacity all day and night for weeks and months. During a proactive maintenance service, an expert A/C system technician can typically avoid an emergency by locating 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 fabric, especially when you’re going to be outside. Don’t wear dark shades, specifically black clothes, 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 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, especially 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. During a heat wave or peak heat of the day, steer clear of drinks containing caffeine or alcohol since they can contribute to dehydration.
To ensure your air conditioner is in good working order and is equipped to keep your home cool if there’s an aircon repair emergency, call Matz-Rightway. We are available 24/7/365 so whenever you need us, we are ready for you.
