Do you ever find yourself counting down the days until fall arrives with its more moderate and bearable temperatures? Yet, as you wait, excessive heat and humidity still creeps it’s ugly head. Indoor air conditioning or not, you can’t stay inside 24/7.
Our best advice? Be prepared vs. waiting to see how bad the weather might make you feel – here are some tips on how to do that.
Stay informed. Monitor your local news and check the weather online for upcoming heat advisories. There are times when it pays to change your plans and stay indoors.
Never leave anyone in a car. The temperatures inside a car rise quickly, putting you, children, the elderly, and pets at great risk of heat exhaustion or stroke.
Stay hydrated. Even if you don’t feel thirsty, make sure you’re drinking plenty of water during a heat wave. Also, stay away from sugary, alcoholic, or caffeinated beverages as they dehydrate you.
Stay indoors. Avoid direct sun exposure and stay indoors as much as you can. Save outdoor activities for early morning and evening hours when it’s generally cooler.
Dress for the weather. Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing, a wide-brim hat, and apply sunscreen to all exposed areas of your body.
Take breaks. If you must be outside, take it easy and take frequent breaks indoors or in the shade.
Use the A/C or fans to stay cool indoors. Crank up the A/C and use portable and ceiling fans to keep you cool indoors. If you don’t have either, head to a library, mall, or a community center during the hottest hours of the day.
Take a cool shower. Cool off with an outdoor sprinkler or take a cool shower or bath to bring your body temperature down.
Eat light meals. Avoid hot, heavy meals during the dog days of summer. Choose sandwiches, wraps, and salads which not only help cool you off but are easier to digest.
Keep the sun out. Keep blinds, shades, and drapes closed on sun-facing windows. Consider planting shade trees and shrubs or install window awnings where your house gets the most sun.
Check on your neighbors. Check up on your elderly or disabled family, neighbors, and friends to ensure that they are prepared and safe during a heat wave.
Your central air conditioning system is crucial to helping you remain cool, comfortable, and safe during a Dallas-Fort Worth summer. That’s why it pays to keep your system in top working order – with a little help from your friends at Optimum Air. If it’s been a year or longer since your last cleaning and inspection, contact us today for service.