Summer’s finally here – with festivals, beach days and pub nights to look forward to, it’s an exciting time! However, while you’re having fun in the sun it’s important to try and stay safe. Extreme heat can be deadly and affect you regardless of your age group or fitness level. Read on to find out everything you need to know about keeping cool this summer.
What are the risks associated with too much heat?
The main risks posed by a heatwave are:
- not drinking enough water (dehydration)
- overheating, which can make symptoms worse for people who already have problems with their heart or breathing
- heat exhaustion and heatstroke
- sunburn – can cause skin cancer
Too much heat can also have a substantial effect on children, pregnant women and elderly people.
What can I do to stay cool this summer?
There’s several things you can do to manage the heat throughout the warmer months:
Be sun smart
It’s a good idea to avoid going out during the hottest hours of the day, but if this can’t be avoided then there’s several things you can do to protect yourself. When you’re out in direct sunlight, you should wear sunscreen and reapply it regularly. Wearing a hat or cap also helps, paired with some reliable sunglasses. Wearing light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing will also help you to keep cool.
Use water
Water is highly effective at helping you cool down. If you’re really desperate, drench a T-shirt and keep it wet. You could also buy cooling spray or take a cold shower – or maybe even take a dip in the sea if you’re lucky!
Stay hydrated
Hot weather will cause you to sweat more – you’ll therefore need to replace the water you lose throughout the day. Ensure you drink plenty of water all day long to avoid dehydration. Remember, symptoms of dehydration include a dry mouth, dizziness or confusion, and headaches. If untreated, dehydration can lead to heat exhaustion – so this is definitely something you will want to avoid.
Keep your house cool
To feel comfortable at home, it’s important to try and keep your house as cool as possible. It’s actually a good idea to keep windows, curtains and blinds closed during the hottest part of the day – this will help keep the cool air in and the hot air out. You can open them again in the evening once the temperature has gone down to let the cool air circulate.
It’s also a good idea to avoid cooking hot meals at peak temperatures – you might want to opt for an ice lolly instead!
Make the most of the air con
Air conditioning is a great way to ensure you stay cool indoors. Say goodbye to stuffy office environments – instead, welcome in some refreshing air.
At Mitchells, we can help you enjoy the warm weather safely this summer. We’re experienced air conditioning installers and can design and install great HVAC systems for whatever the working environment. For premium air conditioning servicing in Gloucester, get in touch with us today.