August Summer Heat – Important Do’s and Dont’s

SUMMER IS NOT OVER YET!

August can provide great summer weather, but also can dole out a late “extreme heat” punch. At ServiceMark Heating, Cooling & Plumbing we worry about not only our customers, but the greater community, during times of excessive heat. High temperatures adversely affect pets, our elderly, sick and recovering health patients… and ourselves. A HEAT WAVE (a period of three days or more with temperatures reaching or climbing above 90 degrees and most often accompanied by high humidity levels) is dangerous and should be treated so!

Here we discuss what’s behind the danger – and present a few suggestions – to help you and your family keep your cool:

Heat can kill or severely injure the human body and all animals by pushing the body beyond its limits. In extreme heat and high humidity, evaporation is greatly slowed and the body must work especially hard to maintain the proper internal temperature.

Most heat disorders happen because the victim has been exposed to hot conditions for too long, or has over-exercised for his or her age and physical conditioning. Older adults, younger children, and people who are sick or overweight are the most likely to suffer due to extreme heat.

For urban dwellers, conditions that include stagnant air or poor air quality can induce heat-related illnesses. Living in a city is simply more likely to produce problems than living in rural areas. The asphalt and concrete store heat longer and release heat at night which produces higher nighttime air temperatures called the urban heat island effect.

BE PREPARED FOR EXTREME HEAT:

1. Make up an emergency kit to use in for the case of a prolonged loss of electricity and cooling for the home. This means having food, water and medical supplies to last at least 72 hours. Remember batteries for a stand-by radio that can advise on where to seek cool shelter during an emergency.
2. Make a family communication plan – visit http://www.ready.gov/family-communications for some great suggestions
3. Install window air conditioning units snugly. Insulate around the unit if needed to reduce or prevent air loss
4. Check central air conditioning ducts for proper insulation and sealing
5. Pull shades on the sunny side of your home
6. Be sure to weatherstrip doors and sills to keep cool air inside
7. Keep storm windows up and in place
8. Listen to local weather forecasts and stay up to date with upcoming temperature changes
9. Know your neighbors – Where do the elderly, sick or overweight people live? They’re the most likely to need help in a heat emergency.
10. If possible, get trained in first aid to treat heat-related emergencies.

Your team at ServiceMark Heating, Cooling & Plumbing is always ready to help maintain, repair or even replace faulty central residential air conditioning equipment on a 24-hour basis, that’s what we do everyday.

Don’t forget: Common sense is the best medicine to use during the summer heat. Help yourself by drinking cool liquids and making sure there is easy access to more. Use wet wraps around the neck and where a wide brimmed hat when outside for a prolonged period. Make sure the car’s AC system is charged and working properly in case of that unforeseen traffic jam, and see that animals are also well hydrated and not left alone in a super-heated auto!

Please do not hesitate to give us a call with any air conditioning, insulation or air flow questions – we want the rest of your summer season to be healthy and comfortable!