Summer weather creates unique challenges for everyone. When
the temperatures soar, Dominion urges all residents, especially the elderly
and young children, to take precautions when going out in the heat and to limit
outdoor activities.
Avoid strenuous
outdoor activity. If you must work outside, take frequent breaks and drink
plenty of fluids. Do not wait until you are thirsty.
Stay indoors in a cool place, especially during the
afternoon when temperatures are highest. If you must go outdoors, wear
lightweight, light-colored clothing. Try to wear natural products such
as cotton and avoid synthetics.
Be especially sensitive to pets, allowing them to stay
inside when possible and keep them hydrated with plenty of water.
Energy Conservation Tips
These simple, inexpensive tips can help keep your home more
comfortable and may reduce the amount of electricity you use:
Postpone activities that require hot water — such
as washing dishes or clothes — to early morning or late evening. This
will keep from adding more heat and humidity to the home.
Raise the temperature setting on the thermostat. For every
degree raised, customers can save as much as 3 percent on cooling costs.
Turn off unnecessary incandescent lights during hot weather.
They add to the heat in the home. Consider switching to cooler, energy-efficient
fluorescent bulbs where light is needed.
Use ceiling fans and portable floor fans to move the air
around in the home. If the home does not have air conditioning, fans are essential
for cooling. In homes with air conditioning, fans allow residents to raise
the thermostat and save energy without affecting comfort.
Close drapes during the hottest times of the day to block
heat from entering the home and save energy.
Make sure window air conditioners are sized correctly.
Ones that are too small will run constantly but not cool the room. Ones that
are too large use more energy than necessary.
Clean filters to window air conditioning units or clean
or replace filters to central air conditioning systems. Clogged filters cause
air conditioners to use more energy to keep rooms or homes cool.
Clear attic vents. If the home has an attic fan, make sure
it is functioning properly.
Home
Cooling Systems — Learn about insulation, evaporative cooling,
air conditioning and much more.
Physical Effects
Heat
Waves — Learn from the American Red Cross what to do when a heat
wave strikes or is expected, including treatment of heat emergencies. Also
view the National Weather Service's page
on heat waves.
Heat-related
Illness — It is easy to overdo it on a hot day. Learn how to
prevent a heat illness from spoiling your day.
Few people
really understand the dangers associated with lightning, so it is important
to learn how to reduce your risk. Lightning can be fascinating to watch,
but is an underrated killer. In the United States, there are an estimated 25 million lightning flashes each year.
Lightning killed an average of 62 people per year in the United States over the
past 30 years, based on documented cases. Hundreds more are struck but
survive.
