Living in Tempe or Phoenix means year-round heat. Sometimes, temperatures will reach unsafe levels, and quite quickly. It is vital to know how to keep your body at a safe temperature to avoid dangerous situations. Here are some tips to staying cool and safe in the hot summer months.
One of the most important things to know when living in a hot climate is the signs of heat exhaustion. Heat exhaustion is the first sign of a serious problem, and if you don’t take proper measures to cool the person off, it can lead to heat stroke. Here are some warning signs from the Red Cross that mean it’s time to cool off:
If you see someone experiencing these signs, move them to a cooler location, loosen tight clothing, and mist them with water. Offer small amounts of cool water to drink if possible. Watch the individual closely for signs that the illness is getting worse. Avoid heat exhaustion by staying inside when temperatures are too high, and keeping hydrated and well-fed.
On extremely hot days, try to stay indoors if possible in an air conditioned location. If you must go outdoors, avoid strenuous activities during the hottest part of the day from 10:00AM until about 3:00PM. If you want to do any physical activity outside besides swimming, or be outside for an extended period of time, schedule it in the cooler morning time or later in the evening.
Your clothing can actually help keep you cool. The CDC recommends loose fitting, lightweight, and light-colored clothing. Breathable cotton can be one of the best options for clothing. Moisture-wicking fabric can also help. Dark colors aren’t preferable, because they absorb heat and trap it on your body. Consider a cooling shirt or towel that has special temperature-reducing properties.
When you’re hot, your body loses water quickly to sweat. Staying hydrated helps keep your internal temperature where it should be, and also helps avoid additional health concerns. Make yourself drink water even if you don’t feel thirsty. Drinking a glass of water before bed can also help keep you cool by replenishing the water lost when you sweat during the night.
If you’ve been outside in the heat, turn the temperature on your shower down. A cool shower can rejuvenate you quickly, as it reduces the core body temperature while also getting rid of the sweat.
Make sure you keep your air conditioner maintained before Arizona heats up for the summer, because you are going to want to be confident that it is working well. A tune-up will ensure all moving parts of your unit are functioning properly, which will help keep you cool through the highest temperatures.
Contact Shamrock now for AC maintenance in Tempe and Phoenix!