Beat the Heat: Heat Safety Tips

We have been experiencing higher than normal temperatures this summer, and this kind of heat can be deadly. Pets, the elderly, young and those with compromised immune systems can be especially susceptible to extreme temperatures.

Here are some quick heat safety tips

• Don’t leave children, pets (or anyone) alone in enclosed vehicles for any amount of time.
• Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Drink more water than you think you’ll need. Avoid caffeine and alcohol.
• Wear loose, light colored clothing.
• Plan indoor activities during the hottest part of the day.
• If you have to work outdoors take lots of water breaks.
• If you have family members, neighbors or friends who don’t have air conditioning or you know are alone, check in on them.
• Check on your pets frequently and make sure they have plenty of cold water and if you can, keep them inside during the day.
• Wear sunscreen.

Make sure your loved ones are taking these extra precautions to beat the heat and avoid the 3 most common heat related illnesses. 

Heat Related Illnesses

Heat Cramps:

• Muscle pains and spasms most commonly in the legs or abdomen. They are an early sign that the body is having trouble with the heat. 
• Get the person out of the heat and have them rest comfortably.
• Lightly stretch the affected muscle and gently massage the area.
• Provide water or an electrolyte-containing fluid (sports drinks, fruit juice or milk).

Heat Exhaustion:

• Heat exhaustion is more severe than heat cramps. Symptoms include cool, moist, pale, ashen or flushed skin; headache; nausea; dizziness; weakness and exhaustion. 
• Move the person out of the heat as soon as possible to a cool environment with circulating air. 
• Remove or loosen as much clothing as possible and apply cool, wet cloths to the skin.
• Fan or spray the person with cool water.
• If person is conscious, give them small amounts of water or fluid with electrolytes
• If their condition does not improve, if they refuse water, have a change in consciousness or vomit, call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number.

Heat Stroke:

Heat stroke is life threatening. It can occur if you ignore the symptoms of heat exhaustion. Heat stroke will develop when the body systems are so overwhelmed by heat that they begin shutting down. Symptoms include extremely high body temperature; red skin either dry or moist; changes in consciousness; rapid, weak pulse; shallow breathing; confusion; vomiting; and seizures. 

• Heat stroke can kill. Call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number immediately. 
• Do not give fluids
• Rapidly cool the person by immersing them up to their neck in cool water when possible, or you can douse or spray them with cool water.
• Sponge the affected person with ice water-doused towels over the entire body, rotating the towels often.
• Cover the affected person with bags of ice.
• If you are not able to measure and monitor the person’s temperature, apply one of the rapid cooling methods listed above for 20 minutes or until the person’s condition improves.

Have a safe summer by taking the heat seriously. Drink lots of water and remember the early warning signs of heat related illnesses. 

About Alarm Engineering

Locally owned Alarm Engineering has been securing Delmarva since 1985. In that time, we have earned our reputation for integrity, reliability, and quality with our emphasis on superior service to our customers. We know you have choices when it comes to your security system, so here are some things you should know about our team.

Alarm Engineering is leading provider of electronic security systems and services in Delaware and the Eastern Shores of Maryland and Virginia. From integrated home security systems with home automation and video to large enterprise-level integrated systems and small business solutions, our highly trained and professional staff will get the job done right. As an Authorized Alarm.com dealer, we offer exclusive Crash and Smash technology, Geo-Fencing and LiftMaster Garage Control, and the Doorbell Camera as part of our Home Automation offerings.

For more about what sets us apart from the crowd, click here or give us a call at 410-546-2210. But don’t just take our word for it: check out our five star Google Reviews.

Kid Summer Safety & Security

Summer is here and that means school is out. Differences in routines can mean added concern for parents. Being involved and aware is one of the best ways to make sure your kids stay safe this summer. Make it a point to:

• Know where your children are at all times
• Participate, whenever possible, in their activities
• Set boundaries for your children. Make sure they know who/where they are and aren’t allowed to go visit.

Nothing can substitute you being there at all times, but even though children’s schedules change in the summer months, yours likely does not. So when you can’t be there, prepare your children for a safe summer with these best practices:

Stranger/Danger

1. Reinforce that children trust their gut if they are uncomfortable in any situation. Empower them to say NO!
2. Create a plan with your children about what to do if they are lost.

Neighborhood

1. Review with your children which trusted neighbors they can go to if they need help.
2. Discuss boundaries.
3. Remind them to always tell you or another trusted adult where they will be and to always take a friend along.

Home Safety

1. Educate and test your children on how they can reach you. Teach kids how to use 911 when appropriate.
2. Make sure your children are comfortable locking doors and windows in your home and teach them how to use your security system.
3. Check in on your children while you’re at work with our Interactive Services on your smartphone and see for yourself that they are safe and sound at home. Get emails and text messages when they go in and out so you know when they left and returned.

First Aid

1. Make sure you have a well-stocked first aid kit at home and your children know where it is and how to use it.
2. Be sure to keep a list of emergency numbers where it is easy to find for your children.

Heat Protection

1. Hydration is so important. Keep drinks well stocked and remind them (and yourself!) to drink often, especially after heavy activity in the hottest parts of the day.
2. Train your children to be aware of the signs of heat related illnesses, and seek medical attention. 

Ticks

Ticks are responsible for a variety of illnesses that can be serious including Lyme Disease. Some suggestions for keeping ticks at bay include:

1. Wear protective clothing (long sleeves, tucking pants into socks) when in high risk areas.
2. Stay in the center of walking paths and keep away from overgrown areas.
3. Perform tick checks on family members every day.

Read more child safety tips from the CDC.

About Alarm Engineering

Locally owned Alarm Engineering has been securing Delmarva since 1985. In that time, we have earned our reputation for integrity, reliability, and quality with our emphasis on superior service to our customers. We know you have choices when it comes to your security system, so here are some things you should know about our team.

Alarm Engineering is leading provider of electronic security systems and services in Delaware and the Eastern Shores of Maryland and Virginia. From integrated home security systems with home automation and video to large enterprise-level integrated systems and small business solutions, our highly trained and professional staff will get the job done right. As an Authorized Alarm.com dealer, we offer exclusive Crash and Smash technology, Geo-Fencing and LiftMaster Garage Control, and the Doorbell Camera as part of our Home Automation offerings.

For more about what sets us apart from the crowd, click here or give us a call at 410-546-2210. But don’t just take our word for it: check out our five star Google Reviews.

Summer Safety for Kids

For many, summer’s approach means the kids are out of school and diving into more outside activities. These important tips from the CDC, Coast Guard and more will help keep your children and teens safe from a range of summer risks:

1. Always make sure children are supervised in the pool and install a fence around your pool. Do you know the signs of drowning?
2. Contrary to popular belief, chlorine does not kill germs instantly. Be sure your young children take frequent bathroom breaks and get free test strips to test the public pool before they swim.
3. Boats are a great family activity. Reduce your boating safety risks with these tips from the Coast Guard.
4. Heat-related illness is especially common for children four years old and younger. Make sure they wear light colored, loose, comfortable clothing and cool off with showers. Be on the lookout for the signs of heat-related illness listed here. 
5. Electric fans may provide comfort, but when the temperature is in the high 90s, fans will not prevent heat-related illness. Taking a cool shower or bath, or moving to an air-conditioned place is a much better way to cool off.
6. Make your backyard a tick-free zone with the steps here and check your children for ticks.
7. Accidents happen. Be sure to know the signs and symptoms of a concussion.
8. Young workers tend to have more injuries at work for a number of reasons including inexperience and the types of jobs most young people have. Make sure you and your teen know the facts.
9. More and more, kids are interacting with other kids electronically. Educate yourself and your kids about bullying with these tips.
10. Don’t let your kids drink too many liquids that contain sugar. Sugar-filled drinks actually causes more body fluid loss. Avoid very cold drinks as they cause stomach cramps.

More Proactive Tips

Alarm Engineering can also help you keep your children safe. From live video feeds and alerts when your kids come and go to email and text alerts from your pool fence, gun cabinet or other risk areas, you can know exactly what’s happening at home no matter where you are.

Your security system can also alert you if your children, workers, visitors, renters or aging parents haven’t disarmed the system by a certain time. In addition, create custom user codes and lock access to anyone you want with the touch of a button. Removing access is just as easy when your worker or renters leave, no more making and giving away extra keys!

Get Started Now

Let us know your challenge and we will create the perfect solution for you. Our Systems Specialist will come out for a no-pressure, free consultation and provide your security assessment and estimate. Make sure your summer is worry-free with solutions from Alarm Engineering now and use FIRSTMONTHFREE for extra savings.

About Alarm Engineering

Locally owned Alarm Engineering has been securing Delmarva since 1985. In that time, we have earned our reputation for integrity, reliability, and quality with our emphasis on superior service to our customers. We know you have choices when it comes to your security system, so here are some things you should know about our team.

Alarm Engineering is leading provider of electronic security systems and services in Delaware and the Eastern Shores of Maryland and Virginia. From integrated home security systems with home automation and video to large enterprise-level integrated systems and small business solutions, our highly trained and professional staff will get the job done right. As an Authorized Alarm.com dealer, we offer exclusive Crash and Smash technology, Geo-Fencing and LiftMaster Garage Control, and the Doorbell Camera as part of our Home Automation offerings.

For more about what sets us apart from the crowd, click here or give us a call at 410-546-2210. But don’t just take our word for it: check out our five star Google Reviews.