"Watering Down the Heat"

Summer is among us, and while in many parts of the world, this can mean fun and relaxation, it can also mean serious danger. Heat exhaustion,heat stroke, dehydration, sunburn, and water related accidents are just a few of the not-so-relaxing parts of the summer sunshine. Here are a few tips to keep your summer months safer:

Stay hydrated. The recommended 8 glasses of water a day might not be enough, especially during prolonged outside activity and/or sun exposure. Drink plenty of water, whether you feel like you are thirsty or not when engaging in outside fun-in-the-sun activities.

Pets need water too! Make sure your pets have access to PLENTY of water which should be placed in the shade. They should also have a cool area out of the sun to rest in. On extremely hot days, pets should be kept inside the house.

Wear sunscreen - ALWAYS! We often forget to slather ourselves with this sunburn preventing goop and we are sometimes very sorry the next day. Keep sunscreen with you in your purse or car at all times because you never know when you or someone else is going to need it. Be prepared!

Don't touch! It's hot! Be cautious of objects and surfaces that absorb the heat and can burn you when you touch them. Objects such as seat belts, car door handles, children's car seats, the street and sidewalk, metallic pieces, and other sun exposed surfaces can cause painful burns when they come in contact with the skin. Be aware of such surfaces during the summer months of the year.

Keep plenty of drinkable water in your car with you when traveling on long trips. You never know when or where your car could break down, and having a supply of water with you could be crucial.

Have a fully supplied first aid kit in your car at all times, and know how to use it.

Watch children of ALL ages around water, at ALL times. Anyone at any age can drown. Even those who know how to swim. Accidents happen. Someone could hit their head while jumping off of a diving board, causing unconsciousness, which could lead to drowning. A person can drown in as little as one inch of water. This means that, not only swimming pools, but pet's water dishes, puddles, buckets of water, and toilets are all drowning hazards for children. Please keep these water sources in mind when children are around, and use caution.

Never leave your children or pets in the car unattended. Not even for a minute. Vehicles heat up fast to a very high temperature. Too many animals and children have lost their lives this way due to over exposure to heat.

Know CPR! It never hurts to try. Be the one to save a life.

Be sure to keep a close eye on people who are exhibiting signs and symptoms of a medical emergency and do not hesitate to call 9-1-1 when in doubt. Taking the simple steps outlined above can make for a safer time when playing in the sun.

- Jennifer Major, B.A.S. Early Childhood
Administrative Director, EMS University