By now, summer is in full swing and with it comes the usual sweltering temperatures. This is especially true of the western United States, where temperatures have been above average this year. While it is great to get outdoors and enjoy the sunshine, you also need to make smart decisions to keep you and your loved ones safe. Too much heat can quickly make a person ill. In fact, around 618 people are killed by extreme heat in the United States every year. Here are some tips to keep you cool and healthy for the rest of summer.
Check Weather Reports Daily
Stay up to date on what is going on in your area. Any time there is a heat advisory, do what you can to limit your time outside and take extra precautions. If you have outdoor pets, make sure they have plenty of fresh water and shade and if the temperature is over 90 degrees, you should probably bring them inside.
Dress for the Weather
If you do venture out in the heat, be sure to dress appropriately. Loose-fitting clothes will help you stay cool as well as shorts, skirts, and short sleeves. You might also think about wearing lighter colors and fabrics. And if you do expose more skin, cover those areas with sunblock to avoid sunburns.
Drink Plenty of Water
Do not wait until you are thirsty to rehydrate. Instead, drink plenty of fluids throughout the day—especially water. You need to drink at least eight glasses of water per day, or more on especially hot or humid days. And plan any outdoor activity to avoid working out during the hottest times.
Take Care of Others
Some people have a higher risk of heat-related illness including infants, young children, and people 65 and older. Many outdoor workers and athletes are also at risk. Never leave people or pets in a parked car. On a hot day, temperatures inside can reach as high as 190 degrees in as little as 30 minutes. Even with the windows cracked, it is not safe.
Know the Signs of Heat-Related Illness
Heat stroke, dehydration, sunburn—these are just a few of the heat-related illnesses to watch out for. A few symptoms include high body temperature, headaches, nausea, heavy sweating, clammy skin, and fatigue. The best thing you can do is move to a cooler, shaded area. Cool down with a wet cloth or a cool bath and sip water. If symptoms get worse, get medical help right away.
Get Routine Air Conditioning Repair
You should get your HVAC system checked at least once a year. These regular services will help you avoid breakdowns and keep the system functioning at peak efficiency. It will also help cut down on more expensive air conditioning repairs and extend the lifespan of your system.
Make a Power Outage Plan
If the power goes out and your air conditioning is off, the temperatures inside your home can reach dangerous levels. Compile a list of places you can go where the climate is controlled. Libraries, shopping malls, and movie theaters are all good options. In an extreme case, you might even have to find a hotel that has power and spend the night.
Don’t take any chances when it comes to extreme heat. And if you haven’t had your air conditioning serviced this year, it is better late than never. Call Pelle Heating & Air Conditioning. We can send a technician out to check your system and make any air conditioning repairs in San Jose, CA you might need. Hopefully, this will help keep you comfortable and safe inside your home during the hottest part of the year. And if you need emergency repairs, call us at (669) 219-8957 or stop by 1045 N 10th St., San Jose, CA 95112.
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