Businesses Feel Effects Of Heat

As temperatures continue to rise in Kosciusko County, so have the purchase and repairs of air conditioners.

Comfort Temp Inc., Warsaw, has seen an increase in air conditioner repairs since the beginning of June, according to Office Manager Evelyn Rake.

"The first weekend of June was a scorcher and we received many calls for air conditioner repairs," Rake said.

The business has a 24-hour emergency service hotline that is available to assist customers with problems or questions they have with their air conditioner.

"Customers want air conditioning and they want it even more when the temperatures rise like they have this summer," Rake said.

She said the business's number of repairs and replacements has quadrupled since June.

"Our repair work is turning into replacements," she said.

Rake said the business has to meet new regulations, and as a result, the business's seasonal energy efficiency rating of 10 has gone up to 13.

The rating has increased the size of equipment to compensate for the energy efficiency rating.

"We have had to push for the sales of our old equipment to get ready to meet the compatibility of the new equipment," she said.

Kmart of Warsaw also has been affected by rising temperatures.

Store Manager Brian McClelland said the store has seen an increase in the number of customers purchasing beverages, fans and air conditioners since the heat wave.

"Our sales of everything from bottled water, Gator Aid, fans and air conditioners have increased and it is attributed to weather-related events," McClelland said.

He said the store only has one pool for sale left and the supply of air conditioners and fans is decreasing.

"We hope to be equipped with fans for those college students who will be returning to school in the fall," McClelland said.

Dr. Kenneth Lee, of Kosciusko Community Hospital, Warsaw, said although temperatures have risen, the number of patients who have been treated since June for heat-related illnesses has not increased.

Lee said he has treated patients this summer who have experienced sunburns, dehydration and heat exhaustion.

He said patients have spent three hours at the most at the hospital to cool off and then were released.

"When temperatures increase, the extra heat can put extra stress on the body," Lee said.

He said increased temperatures can affect those especially who have asthma and deal with chronic health problems such as heart disease.

"It's better to work on preventative measures to avoid health-related illnesses than treat patients after they injure themselves," Lee said.

Lee offered some tips for preventing heat-related illnesses or injuries :

- Drink plenty of fluids.

- Place a towel with cool water on ones forehead.

- Stay away from sun; go to a shaded area.

- Stay indoors in the lower level of a house such as a basement.

- Avoid overexertion by limiting the time children play outdoors.