Let’s Talk About Extreme Heat Safety.
We hit the 90s this weekend and Memorial Day is this weekend. We can all agree–summer is on its way!
This time of year, we usually spend a lot more time outside. With higher temperatures, it’s important to be aware of some of the most common health risks we commonly see in June, July, and August.
According to the EPA, more than 1,300 deaths per year in the United States are due to extreme heat.
Some statistical approaches estimate that more than 1,300 deaths per year in the United States are due to extreme heat, compared with about 600 deaths per year in the “underlying and contributing causes” data set. By studying how daily death rates vary with temperature in selected cities, scientists have found that extreme heat contributes to far more deaths than the official death certificates might suggest. This is because the stress of a hot day can increase the chance of dying from a heart attack, other heart conditions, or respiratory diseases such as pneumonia. These causes of death are much more common than heat-related illnesses such as heatstroke. Thus, this indicator very likely underestimates the number of deaths caused by exposure to heat.
Who is at the greatest risk for heat-related illness?
Those at greatest risk for heat-related illness include infants and children up to four years of age, people 65 years of age and older, people who are overweight, and people who are ill or on certain medications.
Heat Stroke
Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related illness. It occurs when the body can no longer control its temperature: its temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails, and the body cannot cool down. When heat stroke occurs, the body temperature can rise to 106°F or higher within 10 to 15 minutes. Heat stroke can cause permanent disability or death if the person does not receive emergency treatment.
Warning signs of heatstroke vary but may include the following:
- An extremely high body temperature (above 103°F)
- Red, hot, and dry skin (no sweating)
- Rapid, strong pulse
- Throbbing headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Confusion
- Unconsciousness
What is heat exhaustion?
Heat exhaustion is a milder form of heat-related illness that can develop after several days of exposure to high temperatures and inadequate or unbalanced replacement of fluids. Those most prone to heat exhaustion are elderly people, those with high blood pressure, and those working or exercising in a hot environment.
Symptoms of heat exhaustion include:
- Headache
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Irritability
- Thirst
- Heavy sweating
- Elevated body temperature
- Decreased urine output
How to protect your health when temperatures are extremely high.
Remember to keep cool and use common sense. Drink plenty of fluid, replace salts and minerals, wear appropriate clothing and sunscreen, pace yourself, schedule outdoor activities carefully, use a buddy system, monitor those at risk, and stay cool indoors.
Keep Your Pets Cool, Too.
Every year, dogs, cats, and other animals have died after being left in hot cars or outside during hot weather as well as those who have been rescued from the heat.
Heatstroke is a serious and life-threatening condition seen in vet clinics nationwide. During the summer months, Animal Emergency Service hospitals see a dramatic increase in the number of cases of pets suffering from heatstroke.
Unfortunately, we have found that many pet owners are unaware that their pets can severely overheat to the point where it becomes life-threatening, and often, treatment is too late.
Electric fans vs Air Conditioning
A lack of air conditioning. Electric fans may provide comfort, but when the temperature is in the high 90s, fans will not prevent heat-related illness. Taking a cool shower or bath or moving to an air-conditioned place is a much better way to cool off. Air conditioning is the strongest protective factor against heat-related illness. Exposure to air conditioning for even a few hours daily will reduce the risk of heat-related illness.
As you can see, having a working A/C is important for your comfort and, more importantly, for your health. Our staff is fully trained to install, maintain, and repair all major central air conditioning and heat pump brands, including ductless mini-split systems in DE, MD, & PA.
Prep Your Air Conditioning for Summer
Prepping your air conditioner for summer is as simple as scheduling our annual A/C Tune-Up. Whether you own a central air conditioning unit, heat pump, or a ductless mini-split, Hillside’s HVAC technicians have the training, certifications, and knowledge to tune up these cooling systems. Call 302-738-4144 (DE&PA) or 410-398-2146 (MD) to schedule your A/C Tune-up.
Hillside Heating & Cooling’s 15+ point A/C tune-up will remove any dirt and debris built up within the system throughout the year. We’ll have your air conditioning unit running efficiently! Your A/C will perform better helping you save money on your utility bill. Preventative maintenance will help you avoid unexpected breakdowns.
Maintenance Plan Members: If equipment replacement becomes necessary, or a customer decides to upgrade heating equipment, we will credit the amount of this maintenance plan toward a replacement installation performed by Hillside.
New A/C Sales & Installation
Stop struggling with that fickle air conditioner unit and enjoy the benefits of a new Air Conditioning system from Hillside Heating & Cooling. With state-of-the-art cooling technology, you’ll beat the heat all summer long!
Our air condition specialists will help you choose the best A/C system for your home’s needs while making installation as easy and affordable as possible. And the best time to purchase a new system is now when demand is low, and we have our specials.
