Tag: clothing

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4 Key Tips to Stay Safe this Summer

Four Key Tips to Stay Safe This Summer

It’s summer! Kids are out of school, vacations happen, the weather is generally warm and enjoyable.  There are some safety challenges that are unique to the summer.  Here are 4 key tips to stay safe this summer.

Be Cool

With the summer comes heat.  Most people know that staying cool is important. However, you might not realize that drinking cold water about every 20 minutes not only keeps you hydrated but helps to reduce heat.   It is also good to avoid alcohol, coffee tea and caffeinated soft drinks which can all cause dehydration.

Fashion for the Sun

Dress for the heat.  We discussed this briefly in “Sun Protection and Sunburns.” Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothes including a hat.  Be sure to use broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or greater) and even UV-blocking sunglasses.  The goal is to protect that skin of yours from the UVA and UVB rays.  When you are on a hot job whether it is in the yard, a special project you are working on or even for your employer, it is best to work in a ventilated area with good airflow.  It helps with evaporation of sweat which cools the skin.

Think for your Children

Children love to have fun, and they often do not think about the consequences of playing in the heat.  When considering your children, if the heat or humidity is high, limit their intense activities that last 15 minutes or more.  Don’t let them overheat.  Have water available and let them drink water freely so that they do not feel thirsty.  Have them take a break every 20 minutes.  They should follow the tips above for their clothing and skin protection.  If shirt or shorts become saturated with sweat, have them change clothes.

Avoid Heat-Related Illness

Be mindful of heat-related illnesses.  Symptoms can include:

  • heavy sweating
  • feeling faint, dizzy, weak, or tired
  • headache
  • breathing fast or feeling like your heart is beating faster than normal
  • muscle cramps
  • nausea or vomiting

The best way to avoid overheating is to stay in a cool place.  If your house is not air conditioned, consider going to the library or mall.  Don’t push yourself to hard.  If you have work to do outside, consider doing it in the morning or evening hours when it is cooler.  Be sure to bring a bottle of water with you when walking and drink from it regularly.

Have a wonderful and cool summer.  Always be safe and have fun!

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Items You Should Have in Your Car During the Winter

Items You Should Have in Your Car During the Winter

Getting stuck in the snow is not fun, but it could happen during the cold winter days.  It it happens, you need to be prepared.  Here are a few helpful items to include in your car so your winter driving can be as stress-free as possible:

Booster cables

Booster cables should be something you keep in your car year-round but especially in winter. Having a dead battery near night time is dangerous. Not only do the temperatures drop rapidly, but also makes it harder for you to see the road. Having booster cables gives you the right tool to jump start your car.

Blankets

If you get stranded and there are no other cars around, you may be sitting in the cold for a while.  As  it gets darker, the temperature drops. It is wise to have some blankets to keep you warm until help arrives.

Flashlight and extra batteries

Having a Flashlight is another must-have item in your car year-round. Put simply, it lets you see in the dark “to help put those booster cables on.” A bright flashlight also makes it easier for people to spot/see you if it gets too dark.  Be sure to keep some extra batteries in the car and replace them periodically.

Extra clothing

Having extra winter clothes in the car is also useful for a couple of reasons. If you get stranded, you might have to walk for help.  If you have a flat tire or other situation in which you have to get out of the car during bad winter weather, it is nice to have warm, dry clothes in case you step in a puddle of partially-frozen water or slip in mud or snow.  Being cold and wet is no fun.  It’s a good idea to have extra clothing with you.

Food

Take some food with you in the car in case you are stuck waiting for help to come.  You might also consider keeping some non-perishable food in the car during the winter months as well.  Think of them as your emergency stash.  If you are in a remote area, be sure there are at least some high calorie foods in your “stash.”  Just like batteries for your flashlight, be sure to replace the foods periodically.