Hot Weather Safety at Home
July and August in Texas are historically the hottest months of the year. While we experience these 100+ degree days it is important to keep these hot weather safety precautions in mind.
Here are a few home safety tips for these hot weather days in Texas:
Cooling your home during hot weather
High temperatures mean extra work for your HVAC system, you can help to avoid system breakdowns by following these tips.
- Change the HVAC filter often (every 2-4 months as needed)
- Do not block the indoor vents. This can add stress to your HVAC system.
- Get your air conditioning unit professionally serviced once a year to ensure it it running efficiently
- Keep your blinds closed during high temperature days
- Be smart about setting the thermostat, set the temperature warmer during the day to reduce the stress on the HVAC system, and lower the temperature to sleep comfortably at night.
- Don’t turn the unit off completely. This can actually cause the unit to freeze or break down when you turn it back on and it has to cool your entire home at once.
- Consider upgrading to energy efficient windows and/or insulation for your home if needed.
Going outdoors during hot weather
Our bodies become more vulnerable during exposure to high temperatures. With a greater risk during hot weather, it is important to think about the safety of you and your family when going out doors.
- limit your time as much as possible to being outdoors during a heat advisory
- Do not stay in a hot car which can be 40-60 degrees (Fahrenheit) higher than being outdoors
- Stay hydrated and carry extra water (Avoid dehydrating drinks like alcohol)
- Keep to the shade if possible
- If you need to work outdoors choose the early morning or evening when the temperatures are cooler.
- Remember that the sidewalk or paved surfaces can be 15-30 degrees (Fahrenheit) higher than grass covered areas
- Protect your skin from the sun
- Take frequent breaks in a cooler/shaded area
- Avoid spending time in the attic or hot garage
- Seek medical attention if you have experience symptoms of heat exhaustion
- rapid heart beat
- feeling weak
- feeling dizzy or confused
- muscle cramping or chills
- slurred speech
- excessive sweating or lack of sweating
Caring for pets during hot weather
Your pets are also vulnerable during extreme heat. Keep them safe and healthy with these tips.
- Don’t leave indoor pets outdoors for an extended amount of time
- Make sure that outdoor pets have access to plenty of shade and clean water
- Don’t walk your dog on hot surfaces that can burn their paws
- Consider having a pool of water for your outdoor pets to cool off in
- Don’t leave pets inside a hot car or hot garage
Learn more about the “Benefits of Having a Furry Family Member” in this linked article.
Our goal is to provide great information in our Blog to help you have a happy and healthy home. We hope these hot weather safety tips will help you and your family stay cool this summer.
When you are ready to buy or refinance a home in the future, we would love to help. At TexasLending.com we want you to think of us as your go-to mortgage experts.
