Fourth of July weekend is here and travel plans increase across the country. Kids are out of school, many parents take off and even if you are staying in town, odds are that you will be doing some sort of outdoor activities.
Did you know that heat is the leading cause of all weather-related deaths in the United States? Most of the deaths occur during the summer heat wave events. On average, heat causes over 600 deaths per year in the U.S. These deaths are preventable!
Here are some safety tips for popular summer activities and to help you stay safe during the hot summer days.
Heat and Sun Safety
The sun’s ultraviolet rays can damage skin in just 15 minutes.
Here are some safety tips for popular summer activities and to help you stay safe during the hot summer days.
Heat and Sun Safety
The sun’s ultraviolet rays can damage skin in just 15 minutes.
- Avoid alcohol and caffeine drinks.
- Drink plenty of water frequently. Do not wait until you are thirsty.
- Watch for signs of heat stroke such as: hot, red skin, changes in consciousness; rapid, weak pulse; rapid, shallow breathing.
- If you suspect someone is suffering from heat stroke, call 911.
- Always "Look Before you Lock"! Do not to leave children or pets unattended in vehicles. Temperatures inside a car can rise 30 degrees Fahrenheit in just 30 minutes.
- Wear sunscreen with a sun protection factor, or SPF, of at least 15, even on "cooler" and cloudy days. Reapply every two hours.
- Limit activities and sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
- Wear sunglasses that absorb 100 percent of UV light.
Beach Safety
Rip currents are the silent killers along our beaches. They are very fast currents of water that can drag swimmers far away from the shore. They often form on calm, sunny days, when most people think it's a great beach day. According to the United States Lifesaving Association, rip currents account for at least 100 deaths each year. Rip currents can occur at any beach with breaking waves, including the Great Lakes. Read more about rip currents here; RIP CURRENTS
Rip currents are the silent killers along our beaches. They are very fast currents of water that can drag swimmers far away from the shore. They often form on calm, sunny days, when most people think it's a great beach day. According to the United States Lifesaving Association, rip currents account for at least 100 deaths each year. Rip currents can occur at any beach with breaking waves, including the Great Lakes. Read more about rip currents here; RIP CURRENTS
- Always check beach hazards before heading to the beach.
- Swim near lifeguards.
- Learn how to spot a rip current.
Camping Safety
Many national and local parks offer camping trips. Kids are excited to spend a night outdoors, often with friends, but there are many hazards to watch for if you are thinking about going camping. Plan ahead, and know the weather hazards for the area you are heading to.
- Be weather-ready, have a way to know the current conditions and the weather ahead. Know the signs of changing weather.
- When thunder roars, go indoors! Avoid bare ridge tops, exposed places, lone trees, rivers and rocks. Vehicles are a safe place to take shelter as the electricity will travel through the metal cover of your car. If a vehicle is not near, find a densely forested area at a lower elevation.
- If there are chances of a storm developing or approaching, do not pitch your tent near the tallest tree.
- Always have a reliable way of receiving weather alerts and warnings.
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Wildfire safety
Summertime is also wildfire time!
- Look out for favorable fire weather conditions, such as high temperatures, high winds, low humidity levels.
- Lightning usually starts wildfires, but many humans do too! Make sure to extinguish all burning materials, including cigarettes, properly.
- When a fire is lit at camp, make sure to watch it closely and extinguish it adequately.
- Don't burn on windy days, and make sure to keep your fire small if burning debris.
(Source: NOAA NWS Weather Ready Nation Ambassador program)
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