When Extreme Heat Invades, It’s Time To Take Cover!

While You Protect Your Loved Ones, We’ll Protect Your AC Unit

Here at Texas Air Authorities, we have no doubt in our minds that Texans are the toughest breed on any range—anywhere. But no one—not even those who are tough as Texas nails—should have to endure a summer like this one filled with far too many triple-digit temperatures.

Last month was especially brutal, including two weeks in which the temperatures never dipped below 100 degrees and several days where the mercury soared to an unbearable 109 degrees. When Mother Nature turns up the heat to grueling levels like that, your central air conditioning system often needs to work overtime. The result: greater risk of repairs and residential AC replacement services in Arlington, TX, and beyond.

When your AC system wilts in the heat, the good guys at Texas Air Authorities will ride on over and save the day. Whether you need a speedy, efficient repair or a quality, affordable replacement, our arsenal is loaded with the proper ammo to restore your cool relief—and your peace (of mind).

The high temperatures we’ve been experiencing don’t just overtax our AC, household appliances and vehicles. They overtax our bodies, too! So, it’s important to know the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Heat Exhaustion

This is an illness caused by exposure to extreme temperatures. People suffering from heat exhaustion often suffer from dehydration, as well. Signs of heat exhaustion include: heavy sweating, cold and clammy skin, a pulse that’s fast or weak, fainting, weakness, nausea and/or vomiting.

If heat exhaustion is not treated, it can escalate into something more serious: heat stroke. Here are some of the steps you can take to treat heat exhaustion:

• Move to a cool place.
• Loosen your clothing and lie down.
• Drink water.
• Place wet, cool cloths on your body.
• If vomiting occurs, seek medical care.

Heat stroke

This is the most serious form of heat injury and should be treated as a medical emergency. It occurs when you’re exposed to high temperatures for a long period of time. You become dehydrated and your body’s temperature control system shuts down. Signs of heat stroke include: a body temperature above 103 degrees; skin that is hot, red and dry; a pulse that is strong and rapid; confusion; fatigue and hallucinations. Victims of heat stroke can lose consciousness.

If someone is suffering from heat stroke, you need to call 911 immediately! You should also:

• Move the person to a shaded or air-conditioned space.
• Fan air over the person.
• Apply cool, wet cloths or place the person in a cool bath.
• Apply ice packs to the armpits, groin, neck and back.
• Loosen or remove any unnecessary clothing.
• Give the person water to rehydrate if they are able to drink. Avoid very cold water because it can cause cramping.

How can we protect ourselves? Keep close watch for extreme heat alerts and advisories through trusted sources such as local weather updates and the National Weather Service. There are steps you can take during brutal heat spells to avoid heat exhaustion and heat stroke, including:

• Stay out of direct sunlight whenever possible.
• Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Don’t wait until you feel thirsty!
• Use sunscreen with a high SPF (sun protection factor).
• Stay inside air-conditioned buildings as much as you can.
• Choose lightweight, light-colored clothes.
• Take extra precautions if you have a health condition that can be aggravated by extreme heat.

Public spaces that are free and open to the public, including libraries and some recreation centers, are great places to beat the heat. And when the temperatures soar, The Salvation Army of Dallas-Fort Worth does its part by offering 13 cooling stations to offer relief for those without homes, without air conditioning and workers whose jobs are outdoors.

So, please make sure to stay safe out there, especially in the blistering heat. And if your air conditioner starts acting up, make sure to call out the cavalry from Texas Air Authorities for the most reliable, affordable and speedy residential HVAC repair service in Arlington, TX, and across these parts.

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