Beware of Summer Heat: How to Stay Safe and Cool

Summers in Arizona can be described with one simple word: hot. And these days, summer in Arizona isn’t just three months – it often begins early, and extends as late as October. So while people in many other states are outdoors enjoying barbecues, Arizonans are indoors trying to avoid the heat and the many dangers that can come from overexposure.

Heat and Your Health

There are three types of heat-related syndromes: heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Heat cramps usually occur during heavy exercise in hot environments. These painful, involuntary muscle spasms are more intense and prolonged than those nighttime leg cramps many are familiar with. Heat cramps are caused by a loss of fluid and electrolytes in the body.

Heat exhaustion is caused by exposure to high temperatures, especially in humid climates, humidity, and high-intensity physical activity. Severe heat exhaustion can cause heatstroke, a life-threatening condition. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, faintness, dizziness, fatigue, nausea and headache.

Heatstroke is the most severe type of heat-related illness, and the most dangerous. Heatstroke occurs when your body overheats, usually as a result of spending a long period of time in high temperatures. Untreated heatstroke can cause damage to the brain, heart, kidneys and muscles, and can even result in death. Symptoms to watch out for: a high body temperature (104 degrees or higher), altered mental state or behavior, confusion, slurred speech, alteration in sweating, nausea and vomiting, flushed skin, rapid breathing, racing heart rate and headache.

Steer Clear of the Heat

Follow these tips from Phoenix AC service contractor Chas Roberts Air Conditioning & Plumbing to stay safe this summer:

1. Be in the know: Follow the weather forecast and watch for extreme heat advisories. Then you will know which days to stay inside your cool, air conditioned home.
2. Hydrate: Drink plenty of water, non-alcoholic and decaffeinated fluids before, during and after being outside. Hydration is the key to protecting yourself from heat-related illnesses.
3. Know the signs: Make sure you recognize the symptoms and signs that heat is taking a toll on your body.
4. Properly-working air conditioner: The safest place to be in times of intense heat is indoors with a properly-working air conditioning system. Make sure your home system is prepared to keep you cool and safe this summer. You may consider calling in a professional Phoenix AC service provider, like the technicians at Chas Roberts, to do a full check on your system.
5. If your system is on its last legs, it might be time to consider a Phoenix AC replacement. The good folks at Chas Roberts can assist you with picking the right unit for your home.

Is your air conditioning system not working the way it should? Now is not the time to mess around with a sub-par system. For a limited time, Chas Roberts is offering $50 off their air conditioning service call. Don’t mess around – contact Chas today! Visit ChasRoberts.com to schedule an appointment or call (602) 943-3426 in Phoenix or (520) 292-6858 in Tucson.