Tag: Pet Safety

Summer Is Fading, But Fall Can Still Bring Extreme Heat.

August 26, 2022

Extreme Heat Tips: How to Stay Safe and Keep Your Home Cool

Tips to stay safe and comfortable during extreme heat.

Inflation has played quite a role in our economy. People are cutting corners everywhere. Scaling back on things at the grocery store, avoiding purchases at the mall and gas prices have been all over the place. However, there are ways to scale back and still enjoy your home when extreme heat hits. Here are a few tips to stay comfortable.

  1. If you have windows that receive morning and afternoon sun, cover them with shades, drapes or awnings. 
  2. If you have a window air conditioning unit, ensure it’s installed snugly and insulated to protect against leaks.
  3. Keep your windows and doors closed as much as possible during high heat.
  4. Do your best to avoid using major appliances during warm days. Appliances like clothes washers and dryers, dishwashers and stoves add heat to your home. Instead, run them at night and consider drying your clothes outside. 
  5. Check your doors and windows and look for leaks. By air sealing with weatherstripping and caulk, you can cut down drastically on your energy bill.
  6. Prepare cool, light meals, and avoid cooking food.
  7. Obviously, the last thing you want is a hot shower. Having a cool shower or bath will keep your temperature down and will not add more unnecessary heat to your home.
  8. Stay inside as much as possible, but if you find it still unbearable, visit a local library or public building if you don’t have an air conditioner.
  9. Although fans don’t prevent heat-related illnesses, drinking plenty of water and using a fan will make you feel better.
  10. If the power should go out due to the extreme heat, make sure you keep cool by having a generator installed and make sure it is maintained. 

When these extreme days come, please check in on your neighbors, family and friends to ensure they are okay. It’s also important your furry friends have plenty of water and a place to find refuge. Though the kids are back in school and fall is here, when these hot days come, follow these tips. For additional guidance on staying safe during extreme heat, you can visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s resources on heat-related illness.

If you need a generator or maintenance on a generator, please give Gage a call. 

Six Tips To Keep Your Pets Safe in Hot Temperatures

June 3, 2021

Six Tips To Keep Your Pets Safe in Hot Temperatures

We’re all aware of just how hot our southern summers can be. And your pets know it as well. Let’s look at six tips to keep your furry friends safe in the summer heat.

  1. Let’s face it, we all put on a few extra pounds over the last year. Your pets included. It’s important to take extra precautions with overweight or elderly dogs. They tend to be more susceptible to the effects of high temperatures and can get heatstroke.
  2. Never leave your animal in a parked car. Even if you’re running into a store for a minute, it can have devastating results. Cars heat up very quickly and your pet runs the risk of suffering from heat exhaustion or, worse, a fatal heatstroke. 
  3. You’re not the only one who gets thirsty in hot weather. Keep your pets hydrated. Make sure they have plenty of fresh, clean water when it’s hot outside. Add ice cubes and check to make sure their bowl has water regularly.
  4. If you have a pool or will be visiting someone with a pool, make sure to supervise your pets. Not all of them are good swimmers. Make sure to rinse your dog off after swimming to remove salt and chlorine from their coats. Please do your best to make sure they don’t drink the pool water as the chemicals could make your dog sick.
  5. Shade. Shade. Shade. Do your best to find shady areas for your pet to rest and make sure they have plenty of water. Try not to over-exercise your pet and avoid asphalt or other hot surfaces that may burn your pet’s paws. Take walks at cooler times of the day and avoid peak highs. 
  6. Pay attention to your pet. They’ll show you how they’re feeling. If you see your pet panting and showing signs of weakness, lethargy or diarrhea, then keep them indoors. If your pet is suffering from heat exhaustion, their gums and tongue will appear bright red. If you see any of these signs, take your pet to the vet immediately. 

Don’t just look out for your pet; look out for yourself and your family as well when extreme temperatures can trigger power outages. Install a generator or backup supply and keep everyone healthy, happy and cool in the event of a power outage. If you need a generator or need maintenance to your existing one, give Gage a call.