Summer Safety – Beat the Heat

It’s that time of year again. When the sun has come back out and the temperature is rising. It’s time for all of us to get out and enjoy the Spring and Summer weather on the Gulf Coast. There is one thing that we should consider before going out and enjoying the Boardwalk, the beach, or even working outside. That thing is HEAT!

Here are a few tips from your Kemah Fire & Rescue friends to consider before you venture out into the warmer climate.

Take some preventative action! Drink plenty of fluids. It’s recommended that you drink eight to ten glasses of water a day. Occasionally, intersperse that with a commercial sports drink. This will replace the electrolytes that your body loses when you are sweating.

Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothes. Tight clothing may reduce your body’s ability to sweat and move. Restricted movement can cause cramping faster than normal. Additionally, wear a hat to cover your face and neck. Prolonged exposure to wind and sun can cause your skin to burn and blister.

Use a sun block, especially if you are fair skinned. The higher the sun block number, the more protection it will provide. Use it liberally on your neck, arms, legs or any exposed skin the sun will hit. Don’t forget your ears and nose!

Plan your activities with some rest periods. Too much sun can sap your energy. Plan a rest period in the shade or air conditioning if possible. Also, plan your outdoor activities during cooler parts of the day like early morning and late evening.

Watch each other for signs if heat stress. If someone gets a cramp, it’s a sign of heat illness. Other signs to look for are profuse sweating, beet-red skin, heavy breathing, excessive thirst, fatigue, mental dullness, and headache. Worse, if someone quits sweating they are suffering from heat stroke. If this is not immediately treated, it is a life-threatening emergency. Call for emergency medical help immediately! (911)

Enjoy your summer on the Boardwalk and on the water but remember to follow these easy steps and you will have fun in the sun all summer long!