While we’ve been lucky to have a mild start to an Indiana summer, the hot temperatures of July are just around the corner. Of course, we hope you’ve scheduled a service call for your air conditioning system before the peak of the season, as nothing beats regular maintenance to ensure a cool home during the steamy months to come.
But sometimes you just can’t escape the heat due to circumstances beyond your control. Stay cool and safe with our Beat the Heat Checklist:
Stay indoors. When temperatures climb to a dangerous level, stay indoors, preferably in an air-conditioned place. If your home does not have working air conditioning, go to a public place (like a shopping mall or public library). Even just a few hours in air conditioning will help your body stay cooler when you go back into the heat. If needed, call your local health department to see if there are any heat-relief shelters in your area.
Use electric fans. Electric fans can provide relief and keep air circulating, but if temperatures rise to the high 90s or above, they will not prevent heat-related illness. Take a cool shower or bath, remain in the lowest level of your home, or get to an air-conditioned place to cool off if possible.
Keep hydrated. Drink plenty of cool, non-alcoholic fluids throughout the day in order to stay hydrated. Avoid caffeine and sugary drinks, as they can actually cause you to lose more body fluid. If you’re working or exercising, drink two to four glasses of water an hour. If you are highly active in the heat, sports drinks are preferred over water because they will replenish sodium. Warning: do not wait until you’re thirsty to replenish fluids, as this is not a reliable indicator in extreme conditions.
Eat moderately. Avoid hot foods, and keep meals light. Foods (like proteins) that increase metabolic heat production also increase water loss (the body has to work harder – and use more blood – to digest heavy foods).
Be safe and aware. Never leave anyone, especially children and pets, in a closed, parked vehicle – even for a few minutes. Heat builds up rapidly to exceptionally high temperatures, and it doesn’t take much exposure to make children or pets very ill, or worse.
Get help. Pay attention to heat-related warning signs, which include: red, hot sweaty skin; cramps; lightheadedness and fatigue. Get out of the heat immediately and seek medical attention before serious harm is done.
Call us. Don’t wait until you have problems with your air-conditioning system before you contact us. We can give you peace of mind, and make sure it’s ready go. Give us a call today at (317) 585-8981.
