The monsoon months in an apartment complex are generally uneventful, as frequent rains can hamper all your plans and limit your social interactions. This doesn’t mean that you have to stay cooped up inside your house throughout the season – you can organize some indoor events so that all residents can get together and have fun, irrespective of the gloomy weather!

You’ll need to plan out these events well so that there are no hiccups in the last minute, and you can do this by delegating tasks to other residents after bringing up the idea during an association meeting.

There are different themes that you can opt for, and all that you need to do is get creative.

Club Events

You can use the apartment complex club to hold a special party where all residents can get together over food and drinks. Once you receive the nod from the managing committee, come up with a theme for the party (something sunny, to take everyone’s mind off the rain) and start collecting a standard charge from every family.

Pick out interested residents and make them your co-organizers. Assign responsibilities for each of them, including the tasks of collecting money from all residents, getting vegetarian and non vegetarian food items for the residents and organizing skits or fun activities for the event. If there are musicians or singers among the residents, encourage them to showcase their skills.

Frame up a party plan, and specify a particular timeline so that things go according to schedule. Ensure that there is a strict tab over the number of drinks served so that people don’t go overboard and get drunk during the party.

Cooking Parties

This is yet another option that you can explore. You can hold this event in any closed common space within the apartment complex. As always, get the nod from the managing committee first.

Once you inform the other residents about the plan, send out flyers or mails to every family, asking them to cook up some rare and delicious dishes. The families can all then assemble in the specified location for the event and a wide buffet can be held, with surprise gifts for the best chef.

The buffet can be arranged according to vegetarian and non vegetarian categories, and if you’re looking to make it an even contest, you can also suggest a predefined theme for the food items. Organizing such parties will involve lesser expenses overall, and will negate the need for collecting and managing money from every family, which can be quite taxing.

Indoor Game Events

Your kids are sure to be bored during the monsoon – so why not organize an indoor event to cheer them up?

There are many options when it comes to indoor games – you can arrange contests involving board games for kids (like chess), and other sports like table tennis and badminton for teenagers and young adults. Through these events, all residents can indulge in some physical activity, keeping them mentally and physically fit and alert during the lazy monsoon months.

Ensure that you plan these events well in advance so that the tasks can be steadily carried out and also make sure that the events are civil and low-key, so that you don’t disturb the other residents who may not be inclined to participate due to personal reasons.

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Get your Society on ApnaComplex – Today!
ApnaComplex is India’s most comprehensive web based housing society accounting, management and communication software. It is designed to make the life of residents and owners a lot better by bringing in more transparency and accountability in managing a housing society. Check out the features of ApnaComplex and sign up your society today to get the benefits! We offer a free 30-day trial as well so that you can try before you buy!

Rain gutters are used to direct rain water away from the building. If you ignore the gutters in your housing society building and allow them to get clogged, the rain water will overflow beyond a point and get dumped down along the sides of your house. If you stay in an apartment compelx with basement parking, the water can even enter your vehicles and mess them up.

Rain Gutters and Drainage

Rain gutters collect water and channel it along the edges of the roof towards a downpipe which drains the water. This prevents the water from seeping through into the building and causing problems related to dampness, and mold and mildew.

Keeping the Gutters Clean

If you have easy and safe access to the roof of the housing society, this can be an easy task. Regularly sweep out leaves and other debris that can clog up the gutters and pipes. If you face difficulty in accessing your roof, it is better to hire a professional to perform the cleaning process, especially during the rainy season.

Ensure that the gutters are smooth and allow the water to flow freely towards the downspout. Any rough edges or ridges on the surface can cause water to collect and not drain properly. If you have a problem with falling leaves and other wastes, you need to clean it regularly to prevent stagnation of water and overflow.

Water stagnation can also cause other problems. Stagnant water can be a breeding ground for mosquitoes and other pests. You can install mesh or wire covers over the gutter as these will prevent the buildup of debris. This step will also bring in the concept of proper maintenance of the covers, as if you let them get blocked, rain water will not seep through to the gutters and instead, will spill over the sides of the building.

Trim the Trees

If you find that there’s a tree that has branches hanging near the roof, it should be a definite cause for concern. Leaves and seeds from the tree will find their way into the gutter eventually. You can try trimming the branches that actually reach over the roof so that this problem is eliminated. You can either do this on your own or talk to the housing society maintenance team.

‘Doing it Yourself’ Methods

To clean the gutter, scoop out the dirt and leaves and dump them into a canvas bag. If the downpipe is clogged, insert a hose down the pipe and turn on the water. The force of the water should clear out any blockage and flush it out of the pipe. You can then hose down and clean the gutters to clear away any remaining dirt.

If you have installed gutter covers, you should sweep away any dirt and debris from it and clean it up with a hose.

If the covers are blocked, you need to remove them and do a thorough job of cleaning and clearing the covers before putting them back in place. Put the covers back on and wipe off any dirt remaining in and around the area.

Call for Help

If you are facing a serious problem of blockage and debris build-up, it is better to call in professional helpers. In fact, it is a good idea to hire a professional through your managing committee to clean up the rain gutters at least twice a year.

Keeping the rain gutters clean not only ensures proper drainage of rain water; it also prevents water stagnation in the gutters, which can invite mosquitoes and other insects. Clean gutters and downpipes drain away the water and redirect it back to the ground, away from the housing society, from where it can eventually flow underground and replenish the water table.

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Get your Society on ApnaComplex – Today!
ApnaComplex is India’s most comprehensive web based housing society accounting, management and communication software. It is designed to make the life of residents and owners a lot better by bringing in more transparency and accountability in managing a housing society. Check out the features of ApnaComplex and sign up your society today to get the benefits! We offer a free 30-day trial as well so that you can try before you buy!

Refrigerators are one of the major energy hungry appliances in a housing society. They might use less power than the air conditioners or the electric water heaters present in all flats in a housing society, but you can turn off the AC or the water heater. The refrigerator is a continuously run appliance that you cannot switch off.

Think of your refrigerator and then think of the number of houses in your housing society. How many refrigerators does it translate to? The total energy cost would be eye popping. And that is just limited to your housing society, while the city is bound to have more such societies by the dozen.

Wouldn’t you jump at an option to save on all that expense?
You don’t have to go back to using earthenware pots and storing food in cool dark shelves and there are many practical solutions that you can choose.

Energy Efficient Models

The solution is to go and buy an energy efficient model to replace your old energy guzzler. If your fridge was bought in the 1990s or earlier, consider getting a new model. The newer refrigerators are vastly more energy efficient than the older models. More efficient compressors and better insulation, results in much lower power consumption.

Newer energy efficient models have to follow more stringent energy use standards. With all the competition, most companies try to provide more energy efficiency than the standard required by the BEE. You can benefit from the same.

Lower Electric Bills

There’s a reason why every resident in a housing society should care about this issue and the most important point is to cut costs. You are sure to be paying utility bills every month – wouldn’t you love to see your power bills go down? Replacing them with energy efficient models means lower power consumption, and lesser costs.  Look for BEE labels on the products; they are an assurance that the models follow the standards set by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency.

Cost to the Environment

In most areas, electricity is generated by burning fossil fuels like coal. These release carbon-dioxide into the air. The more energy you use, the more carbon dioxide is added to the atmosphere. This traps heat on the earth’s surface, causing the green house effect. That is why summers are getting hotter every year.

Even if you don’t particularly care about ecology, it still comes back to affect you. The hotter the climate gets, the more you need to use appliances like the AC and the fridge. That again translates to higher energy bills.

Depletion of Fossil Fuels

The more power you use, the more fossil fuels are used up. The problem is that these are not sustainable energy sources and one day, they will run out. So, until safe viable alternatives are found to satisfy the ever increasing need for power – electricity or motor fuel – we need to conserve what we have.

Energy Rating

As of 2010, BEE labeling has been made mandatory for Frost Free Refrigerators, while labeling is still voluntary for Direct Cool systems. These star rated refrigerators might cost a bit more. But when you factor in the cost savings in terms of lowered electric bills, you could probably recover the cost in two or three years. That is not bad for a machine that would probably be used for around a decade, if maintained well.

A housing society comprises several residences. Count the total cost in terms of money, energy, and the cost to the environment. If the members of your housing society get together and decide to use energy efficient appliances, think of how much you could be saving.

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Get your Society on ApnaComplex – Today!

ApnaComplex is India’s most comprehensive web based housing society accounting, management and communication software. It is designed to make the life of residents and owners a lot better by bringing in more transparency and accountability in managing a housing society. Check out the features of ApnaComplex and sign up your society today to get the benefits! We offer a free 30-day trail as well so that you can try before you buy!

Residents in every housing society will be striving to come up with fresh ideas to organize get togethers. If you feel that you’re facing the same fix, why not throw a pool party, if your housing society has a pool? A pool party is a great way to have fun.

But organizing a pool party will be the hard part, and you’ll have to take care of all the intricacies involved as a team. If you keep it simple and plan ahead, you can have a great and safe pool party. Get your housing society association to prepare the pool first and you can chip in with the other residents and contribute effectively.

Pre-Party Planning

Plan your party well. This way, you will encounter fewer hassles during the party. Plan out the many sections during the party and how the event will progress. List out the performers, if any, and create a detailed schedule.

Invitations

First send out fun invitations. They can be a simple ‘you are invited to our pool party’ to beach themed cards accompanied by matching confetti. If you live in a big housing society, you could probably just have the invitation delivered by hand.

Clean the Pool

Help the housing society association along with the other residents to ensure that the pool is clean and freshly filled for the party.

Divide the Area Around the Pool

Ensure that there is an area where the guests can change their clothes. Divide areas for lounging, playing games, may be even a barbeque. Probably, the housing society would’ve planned these divisions too, when they built the pool. Once you divide the area, things will run smoothly.

Arrange for Food and Drinks

Depending on the type of party you are arranging, you can plan for some light snacks and drinks, or a tropical themed fare.

Provide Lots of Towels

Be prepared with lots of clean towels for the guests. If you don’t have enough towels to go around, ask the guests to be sure to bring their own.

Dry the Surrounding Tiles

Ensure that the area around the pool remains clean and non-slippery. This will help you avoid nasty accidents.

Provide Pool Toys

Have a lot of inflatable rafts and tubes and toys, for both the adults and kids. These can help them stay afloat and increase the fun quotient.

Supervise the Kids

Kids are the ones who are probably going to enjoy the party the most. But make sure that one or more of the adults take turns watching the kids, to keep them safe.

Arrange for Some Music

Arrange for some nice beach themed music and play them through the poolside speakers. Don’t make it too loud, as it can disrupt conversations that people maybe having.

Organize Games

Organize fun games to keep the guests entertained. Search the net for some nice party game ideas and implement the same.

Sunscreens and Shades

Provide the guests with sunscreens and shades. If there are trees around the area of the pool, they can be used after obtaining due permission. You can also put up umbrella shades.

First Aid Kits

Keep such kits handy, and hope that you’ll never need them. After all, it may come in handy if a kid falls and skins his knee.

The Table

Cover the table in a bright colored cloth. Use bright flowers as the centerpiece. Keep plates of food ready and the drinks cool and fresh. Arrange for the food along with the other residents and keep vegetarian and non vegetarian items separately.

Pool parties are a nice way to beat the heat during summer. If you live in a housing society, it can be easier to arrange. You can have the housing society association prepare the pools and arrange for the chairs. Pool parties are by nature informal and so, a great way to meet people and get acquainted.

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Get your Society on ApnaComplex – Today!
ApnaComplex is India’s most comprehensive web based housing society accounting, management and communication software. It is designed to make the life of residents and owners a lot better by bringing in more transparency and accountability in managing a housing society. Check out the features of ApnaComplex and sign up your society today to get the benefits! We offer a free 30-day trial as well so that you can try before you buy!

Water is a precious resource and the world over; it is also a dwindling resource – even in a housing society. Increasing human population is piling a huge demand on the overall water resources, and reservoirs are drying up and water tables are correspondingly going down. Housing societies everywhere are looking for ways to conserve water usage and replenish water reserves.

There are several ways through which the residents in your housing society can conserve water:

• Leaky Faucets – Check for leaking taps. The eternally dripping water can slowly add up to gallons of waste water in a short time. Fix all leaks immediately after pointing them out.
• Flush Tank Leaks – Check to see if your toilet tank leaks water. If you suspect a leak but cannot be sure, add some coloring to the water in the tank. If the water in the toilet bowl colors up without the flush being used, it means you have a leak. Fix the leak as soon as you can.
• Displace Water in Flush Tanks – If you have a flush tank that takes in a lot of water, you can cut down on that extra water. Fill a water bottle with sand and put it inside the tank. This displaces the water in the tank, and the tank takes less water to fill up. Don’t displace too much water. Insufficient water won’t clear the toilet in one flush and will result in people doing multiple flushes.
• Install New Flush Tanks – Low flush or controlled flush systems can help you conserve a lot of water as the flush can be controlled throughout.
• No Bathtubs – Filling a bathtub takes a lot of water. So avoid using bathtubs and use showers instead. These are better and will keep you free of sweat.
• Restrict Water Flow in Showers – Use low flow shower heads or install flow restrictors in your showers. This way you can cut down the water flow through your showers.
• Take Short Showers – Do not take long baths. When you are soaping up, turn off the shower. Turn it on only when you need to wash off the soap. Letting the water run throughout can waste a lot of water.
• Prevent Clogging of Water Pipes – Salt content in water can quickly clog your water pipes. Your housing society should consider installing desalination or water softening systems to ensure clear water gets pumped through the water pipes.

How can this help conserve water?
When water flows out slowly from taps, people have a tendency to leave it running for longer. Also, they leave it on to fill buckets with water, and then might forget to turn it off. In these and other ways, water pipe clogging may result in water wastage. Steady, smooth flow of water through pipes and taps ensure more efficient usage.

• Don’t Leave Water Running – When you are brushing your teeth or shaving, close the tap. Turn it on only when you need to clean the brush or the razor. Use a glass of water to rinse your mouth, instead of keeping the water running. Teach children to turn off water taps properly.
• Washing Machines – Use your washing machine only when it is on full load. Using the machine when it’s on half load can result in a lot of water wastage.
• Washing Dishes – When you are washing dishes, do not keep the water running. Turn the tap on only when you need to rinse the dishes.
• Recycling – Try installing water recycling systems. Recycle non-toilet water for use in non potable purposes – like flush tanks, car wash, watering the garden etc.
• Rain Water Harvesting – You housing society can harvest rain water by collecting it in overhead filter tanks, or by redirecting the rain water to the ground to replenish water beds.
• Avoid Hoses – Use a broom to clean your front porch or yard and don’t hose it clean. If you must use water to clean it, fill a bucket with water and sprinkle it, then sweep it. Use soap and sponge to clean your car.
• Watering Your Garden - Water your lawn and plants during early morning or at dusk. This decreases evaporation, and gives the plans more time to absorb the water.

Your housing society can get people to practice simple water saving techniques to conserve water. Recycling water and rain water harvesting systems are another way for a housing society to combat water shortage. If all these measures are practiced, you can help reduce the strain on water resources and help replenish them.

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Get your Society on ApnaComplex – Today!
ApnaComplex is India’s most comprehensive web based housing society accounting, management and communication software. It is designed to make the life of residents and owners a lot better by bringing in more transparency and accountability in managing a housing society. Check out the features of ApnaComplex and sign up your society today to get the benefits! We offer a free 30-day trial as well so that you can try before you buy!

Summer Holidays are coming to an end and soon its back to school again. Pep up your kids’ enthusiasm in the last few weeks of the summer!!!

ApnaComplex announces “Drawing and Colouring Contest” for children. Here are the details:

Who can participate?
1. Children of ApnaComplex Registered Users (One can register here)
2. Participation can be in one of the two groups – (a) children up to 7 years and below (b) children between 8-12 years.

What to Draw?
Anything that depicts (a) Summer Evenings in My Complex/Layout OR (b) Living in a Gated Community.

What are the Terms?
The colours used in the drawing must have primarily the same colours as in ApnaComplex logo.

What is the last date?
29th of May 2011

How to send the entries?
Scan or take a picture of the artwork and email the same to support@apnacomplex.com OR upload it in in sites like Picasa and send us a link by email. Do not forget to send the kids name and age!

How many prizes?
Two attractive prizes each for the 7 years and below category & for 8-12 years category. All children will get a participation certificate.

When will the results be out?
By June 5th.

I have more questions. Whom do I ask?
Leave a comment here and we will respond!

So, what are you waiting for? Get the kids started.

Most Apartment Associations and Housing Societies are run by volunteers and most of them do not have necessary technical background that is necessary to ensure proper maintenance of the critical assets like Water Treatment Plants, RO Water Plants, DG Sets etc. Typically the operations and maintenance of these assets are outsourced by the managing committee with a hope that the agencies maintain them professionally. More often that not, no one in the managing committee is even aware how to check if the assets are being maintained and operated properly. Due to this, associations typically end up with sudden huge expenses towards the repair/re-installation of these assets.

In an attempt to help all housing societies and apartment associations, ApnaComplex, with the help of Mr. Ranganathan – Water Management Consultant, presents below an guide / checklists on Water Treatment Plants Operation and Maintenance.

Why Water Treatment Plant?

Today water used in apartment complexes and gated communities is obtained partly from bore wells or from tanker water suppliers. Invariably, the water has a total mineral content higher than the “desirable” value specified in BIS-10500 which is the official Indian standard for water used for human consumption. A high mineral content means that the total hardness of the water will also be high and cause problems like scaling of hot water geysers, choking of pipes, poor quality of washing in machines etc. This is often taken care of by installing a water softening plant (also called as Water Treatment Plant). Refer our other article on “Water Treatment in times of Water Scarcity” to know more about the importance of Water Treatment Plants

How does a Water Softener Plant work?

A water softener plant comprises a pressure vessel made of either mild steel or fiberglass composite. It contains a bed of ion exchanger( normally called resin) which softens water. The pressure vessel is fitted with external piping fitted with valves. The softener plant is also provided with a tank in which a specified quantity of salt is filled in and water allowed in by means of the valve provided for this purpose. The water dissolves the salt to make a solution of brine (this is what a salt solution is called).

The resin bed inside is capable of removing hardness from the hard water passing through it . The quantity of water thus softened depends entirely on the hardness of the water and the capacity of the resin. When the capacity of the resin to soften water is exhausted, it has to be regenerated by injecting a solution of salt solution (brine) into it to prepare the resin to soften more water. The manufacturer of the softener is normally supposed to provide a detailed Operation & Maintenance manual which gives detailed instructions on how to operate the unit and regenerate it.

This manual indicates the total capacity of the softener to soften water before it is exhausted (this capacity is called Output Between Regenerations or OBR). The manual also indicates how many kilos of salt are to be filled in to the salt tank to prepare brine for one re-generation. It gives detailed instructions on how to operate the valves on the unit to inject brine into the softener, rinse off the excess brine and then prepare it to produce soft water for another cycle of operation.

Every softener plant must have a water meter fitted at the inlet so that the quantity of water softened can be monitored. The water meter also helps in measuring the water used for regeneration since this water goes to drain and usually ends up in the STP (Sewage Treatment Plant). Every softener operator must have a hardness testing kit so that he will know when the softener is producing soft water and when it is exhausted.

Following two procedures must be followed by Operators for proper Operation of Water Treatment Plant. In most associations, the operations are outsourced to an agency, even then it is imperative that Managing Committee members verify the log books and the hardness reports once every fifteen days to ensure the softener plant is operating properly.

Procedure for regeneration of an exhausted softener

1. Make a note of the water meter reading in the log book.
2. Start backwash if the softener manual calls for it. Carry out backwash for the specified duration.
3. Inject the salt solution(brine) into the softener.
4. When brine injection is over, start the process of rinse to remove all the excess brine.
5. When end of rinse is approaching, take a sample of rinse water and test for hardness.
6. If the hardness is within the figure specified in the manual, usually about 10.00 ppm., stop rinse and open soft water outlet valve and make a note of the water meter reading.

How to know when to Re-generate

1. When water meter reading shows that softener has treated almost the quantity as per OBR, take a sample of soft water and test it using the test kit. It is critical to note that with out a proper log book and Water Meter, it is not possible to accurately know the amount of water treated since last regeneration.
2. If the hardness is higher than 10.00 ppm, and the OBR figure has been reached, shut down the softener, prepare it for regeneration and carry out the regeneration as per procedure given above.

Very Important Points

1. Approximately 95% of the apartment complexes Mr. Ranganathan visited in the last 8 years had no documents/manual for the softener and have operators without relevant knowledge, experience or training in softener operation. So, the first step is to get the manual from the supplier/manufacturer as it is critical. If this is not possible, approach an expert with correct/relevant expertise for help.
2. The next step is to read the manual . This is invariably the most difficult step – but there must be few members in the society who must read the manual and understand how their Water Treatment Plant works. If we buy a new electric/electronic appliance such as Microwave in the house, we do glance through the manual – don’t we? Water Treatment Plant is more costlier and many times more critical piece of equipment that owners of apartments have invested in. The more number of people know about the plant the better it is. Some members with relevant background can go through the manual and share the details with the larger community in meetings in simpler language. (By the way, you can upload the electronic/scanned versions of the manuals into the Document Repository of ApnaComplex – easy way to store all documents in a central place).
3. Timing given in the manual for the various sequences which are part of operation must be strictly followed.
4. All the sequences of operation given in the manual must be carried out exactly as specified. All this data must be logged into a log book as it will help with troubleshooting if needed. It is critical to ensure log book is maintained by the operator and monitored by the committee frequently.
5. If these procedures are not followed DO NOT WASTE TIME and MONEY on the softener. Any amount of salt will not help soften the water if the re-generation is not done in time.

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This article aims at providing information for benefit of ApnaComplex customers and blog readers. Mr. S.S. Ranganathan, who provided inputs for this post, is a retired senior executive of Ion Exchange and currently a freelance Water Management Consultant based in Bangalore. He can be reached at +91-93437-34229.

ApnaComplex is an housing society / apartment accounting and management software. We are offering a 30-day no obligation free trial for every complex. Go ahead and register your complex and see how you can manage your complex more easily, efficiently, and effectively.

If you’re trying to find ways to beat the heat and stay cool in your housing society during the summer, there are many simple methods you can opt for. These lifestyle changes are easy to implement, and they can be followed by every resident in the housing society.

 

Wear Light Cloths

Wear light natural fabrics like cotton, as these are made especially for the Indian summer. Make sure they are light colored too as dark colors absorb heat and can make you sweat. Summer is the time you can buy and flaunt bouncy colors like orange and cyan, so get a vibrant wardrobe.

Open the Windows

If there’s a cool breeze blowing, open the window to let it in. A housing society will be a well planned structure, so that the breeze travels in an even manner through every building. All you need to do is throw open the windows (for cross ventilation), pull down the mosquito nets and turn on the ceiling fan, which will regulate the air flow.

Use Ventilators

Ventilators are a must in every household, mainly in the kitchen. The last thing you want during the summer is cooking vapors hanging around the house, making you sweaty. Ventilators can keep the stuffy air out and let the cool air in.

Drink Fluids

Remember, your body dehydrates quickly in warm weather. So, drink a lot of water and fresh juices regularly, whenever you can. Carry a bottle of water along with you wherever you go, so that you remain hydrated properly.

Soak Your Shirts

If there is no cool breeze and you have worked up a sweat, you can try this one out. If you can stand it, soak your shirt in water (avoid cold water) wring it out and put it on. Now switch on the fan and sit under it. If your shirt dries up, soak it again. Keep the windows open while doing this or otherwise, the rising vapors from your shirt will increase the humidity.

Use Sunscreen and Hats

Wearing sunscreen can help you keep your skin normal, and you can pick out some hats for the summer too. Hats can keep you cool while serving as great fashion accessories.

Cool Your Body

Let cold water run over your wrists for a few seconds. This can make you feel cooler. You can also fill a tub with cold water and plop your feet in it. Once your feet get cold, you probably will too. Soak a handkerchief in cold water; wring it out and place it on the back of your neck, and this is one proven measure that works well. Take frequent baths during hot days, as a cold shower can do wonders.

Use Your Housing Society Pool

If your housing society has a pool, use it. It will be a great summer hangout, and you can cool down in the water while striking up a conversation with the other residents in the housing society.

Staying cool through the hot days of summer can be challenging. Find some fun ideas to beat the heat. Remember to take lots of drinks during summer, to prevent your body from getting dehydrated.

By the way, if you have pets, do realize they will feel the heat too. Trim your dog’s coat. Keep them supplied with fresh water, and if they are outside, make sure that cool shady areas are available where they can lie down to escape the heat.

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ApnaComplex is a web based housing society accounting, management and communication software. It is designed to make the life of residents and owners a lot better by bringing in more transparency and accountability in managing a housing society. Check out the features of ApnaComplex and sign up your society today to get the benefits!

Summer is here and almost every one is facing the heat already. Even traditionally cooler cities like Bangalore are seeing temperatures rise year after year. We have put together a small list of preventive measures that can followed by every one in your society and also some first aid techniques that can applied in case any one becomes a victim of heat related injury.

Preventing Summer Stress

Hot weather triggers a variety of medical emergencies. Even healthy people should take it easy during extremely high temperatures, and those with respiratory and other health problems must be especially careful. The best ways to prevent a sun stress emergency are:

• May appear very basic, but first stay out of the sun as much as possible.
• Drink extra fluids, but avoid alcoholic beverages. Alcohol can cause dehydration.
• Drink before you’re thirsty and drink often.
• Wear a hat or cap, keep the neck covered and wear loose fitting clothing. It’s important to wear a hat because it prevents heat load by acting as a barrier from the heat source (normally the sun). Cooling the head and neck may be an effective means of reducing core body temperature in those with heat stress.
• If you can, work in the cool hours of the day or evening.

Heat-related Injuries and First Aid Measures

It is important to know that heat-related injuries fall into three major categories:

• Heat cramps
• Heat exhaustion
• Heatstroke

Heat cramps are muscular pains and spasms that occur when the body loses electrolytes during profuse sweating or when inadequate electrolytes are taken into the body. They usually begin in the arms, legs or abdomen, and often precede heat exhaustion.

Treatment for heat cramps is to rest in the shade, get near a fan, spray the person with water and massage the cramp.

Heat exhaustion is a medical emergency. When a person is suffering from heat exhaustion, they will perspire profusely and most likely will be pale.

It is best treated by taking the patient to a cool place, applying cool compresses, elevating the feet and giving the patient fluids.

Heat stroke is the worst heat-related injury. The brain has lost its ability to regulate body temperature. The patient will be hot, reddish and warm to the touch. Their temperature will be markedly high and there will be no perspiration. This is a medical emergency, call Toll Free No 108.

The emergency care of heatstroke is to cool the body as quickly as possible. One of the best methods for cooling the body during a heat emergency is to wrap the patient in cool, wet sheets.

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Credits: This article was provided by APMS, Hyderabad.

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This article aims at collating and providing information for benefit of ApnaComplex customers and blog readers. While ApnaComplex has taken every care to ensure the information is accurate, we suggest to please use it only as a guidance and not as any professional medical advise. Please consult relevant professionals to take any action based on the guidelines given.

The joy of living in a housing society mainly revolves around getting to know a lot of people and practicing the art of community living. You may feel out-of-place and shy when you first move into a housing society, but you should get over this phase and actively socialize so that you personally become a recognized member of the community too.

There are many advantages involved with getting to know the other residents:

• Make your voice heard - You can actively participate in resident meetings and give your opinions and views
• Get help - You can get their help in organizing events and in general situations
• Expand your personal network - Some residents may be doctors or therapists and you can contact them in case of some emergency, some may be of use as your business contacts

But before you reap some benefits, you need to first make efforts to know your new neighbors. There are a few ideas that you can implement in order to know your neighbors better and to be an active member in housing society affairs, and these are:

• Go Jogging Or Walking – A large number of residents in a housing society are bound to be jogging or walking outside on the common roads in the wee hours of the morning. You can buckle up your jogging shoes and head out to meet your neighbors along your course. You can catch up with them and make small talk, as this is not an intrusive scenario. You can even plan out a daily jogging routine together with them.
• Be Visible And Active – There’s no way you can get to know your neighbors by locking yourself up in your room. Sit outside in common areas like the park or ground and say ‘Hello’ to every person you come across. You don’t even have to be repetitive, just a polite nod will do. You can also spend some time in your balcony, just to be visible and become a familiar face to your neighbors and other residents. Make sure that you attend all housing society meetings, and give your inputs in a polite manner.
• Make Them Some Delicacies  – This is a time consuming process, but it’ll be worth every second if you invest your time in it. You don’t have to feed the entire housing society; you can whip up a few cookies or other delicacies for your neighbors and introduce yourself in this way. If you’re too tired to bake anything, just get some sweets from a well known store and head over to introduce yourself.
• Offer To Help – When you see that your neighbor is having trouble in managing some issue, offer a helping hand. This is a great way of making friends, although you have to ensure that you don’t end up making false promises. This includes small and large offers like holding their groceries while they open the door or taking care of their pet when they’re not in town.
• Organize An Event – This is one of the best ways of getting to know your neighbors. Plan out a party sometime during the weekend when you’re sure that your neighbors and other residents are free, you can coordinate with them regarding the same. Encourage conversations and get to know them better over drinks or even some tea.

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This article aims at collating and providing information for benefit of ApnaComplex customers and blog readers. While ApnaComplex has taken every care to ensure the information is accurate, we suggest to please use it only as a guidance for further discussion and action with help of relevant professionals.