6 Heat Wave Preparation and Heat-Related Illness Prevention Tips for Rockville

An unusually hot and humid period of weather is known as a heatwave. Extreme heat can be dangerous. Heat-related illnesses cause approximately 650 deaths in the United States each year. 

Heat-related illnesses - like heat stroke - can be prevented as a heatwave approach. Follow these tips to stay cool during Rockville's next heatwave.

Check your air conditioning

The best protection against heat-related illnesses is air conditioning. In order to take advantage of your air conditioning system and get the most out of it when the weather warms up, make sure it is working properly. Maintaining your HVAC system, yourself or having a professional do so is both possible. 

Here's what to do: 

• Replace dirty or clogged filters. 
• Make sure your central air conditioning system is dust-free by vacuuming the registers. These air duct covers are generally made of metal or plastic and are located in walls, ceilings, or floors.
• In order to help lower your electric bill, set the thermostat as high as you can while still maintaining comfort when using the air conditioner.

Staying cool without air conditioning

Follow these tips to stay cool without air conditioning:

• It is a good idea to turn on the ceiling fan and portable fan while you are in the room. 
• Check that your ceiling fan is rotating counterclockwise so that the air is moving downwards rather than upwards when you look at it.
• You should never allow a fan to blow directly onto you during hot weather, as it can quickly dehydrate you. 

Cover windows that get direct sunlight

It is a good idea to close drapes and blinds during the day to keep your house from getting too warm. Cool your home with insulated cellular shades. The air pockets act as insulators against the sun's heat. Reflect heat away from your home by covering your windows with a reflector, such as cardboard covered with aluminum foil.

Stock the fridge with water 

It is crucial to stay hydrated during a heatwave. Sweating allows the body to lose fluid, which helps you stay cool as your sweat evaporates. Water replaces these lost fluids. Water that has been refrigerated may provide both hydration and cooling.

It is also advisable to limit alcohol consumption during a heatwave. As a diuretic, alcohol causes your body to rapidly lose fluids through urination. Dehydration may result. Furthermore, alcohol interferes with the way your body loses heat.

Eat cool foods 

During the summer, fruits and vegetables are best for keeping the body cool. The water content of watermelon, lettuce, and cucumber keeps you hydrated. A small meal several times a day is best. You should avoid high-protein foods and meat because they can increase your body's temperature.

If you need to cook it is best to use the microwave or outdoor grill. If you need to use the oven, turn on the vent fan. When needing to check on the food in the oven, turn on the oven light to help prevent the heat of the oven from escaping into your home. 

Know how to stay safe during a heatwave 

When it's hot outside, it's best to stay inside your air-conditioned house. Children under four years of age and people over 65 years of age are particularly susceptible to heat-related illnesses. Even so, it is a good idea to follow these additional tips to remain safe and comfortable when it is hot outside: 

• Dress in loose-fitting, light-colored clothes that wick away moisture.
• Strenuous activity should be avoided between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. 
• Take a bath or a shower to cool off. You can also place ice packs under your armpits and on your head to lower your body temperature.
• Even with the windows cracked, children and pets should never be left in a parked car. The temperature can be dangerously elevated in just minutes.

Heat-related illnesses can cause serious health problems during a heatwave. Heat exhaustion can quickly develop into heatstroke, which can cause organ damage or even death without medical attention. Rest in the shade, use air conditioning, and drink cold water immediately if you suffer from heat exhaustion. If you experience heatstroke symptoms, you should call 911 immediately. 

Whether your pipes burst through overheating or extreme cold, contact Restoration1 Rockville today and begin the restoration process!