Summer Safety – Stay Cool and Safe
There is no question: summer is in full swing in California. Temperatures have peaked in recent weeks, forcing residents to seek shelter indoors from the blazing sun. So how can you “beat the heat” and still enjoy all the splendor of summer? Here are some things to think about:
STAY COOL:
Staying cool and preventing dehydration is vital in hot weather. When high temperatures combine with humidity, the danger increases as the ability to perspire becomes more difficult. According to the Centers for Disease Control, approximately 318 people die each year in the United States from heat-related illnesses, including heat stroke. No one is immune to the harmful effects of heat, but children, the elderly, outdoor workers, and athletes are most at risk. To stay cool during the summer months, experts recommend the following:
1. Drink plenty of fluids – The rule of thumb is to drink before you feel thirsty, because by the time you realize you need a drink, your body is already dehydrated. Drinks to fill up include water and electrolytes that replace sports drinks like Gatorade. Drinking two to five times the normal amount of fluid will help keep you healthy while outdoors. Avoid alcoholic beverages and beverages that contain caffeine, as both promote dehydration.
2. Wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing. Dark colored clothing tends to attract heat, while light colored clothing allows the skin to breathe. Consider wearing a hat when you are outdoors.
3. Avoid the sun during peak hours – Between 10 am and 4 pm the sun’s rays are strongest. Avoid the sun whenever possible during these times, and instead plan your outings for the morning or evening hours. Even when it’s cloudy outside, UV rays are still damaging your skin, and if you’re in water or near sand, the damage is more.
4. Wear Sunscreen: Using a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher (the FDA recommends SPF 30) is a must to avoid sunburn and prevent skin cancer. This is important for all skin tones. Darker skin tones, while often taking longer to burn, are also susceptible to UV damage and skin cancer. An SPF of 30, for example, allows you to stay in the sun about 30 times longer without burning. Be sure to reapply sunscreen liberally after exposure to water or extreme perspiration. If you feel like you’re starting to burn despite wearing sunscreen, it’s best to stay out of the heat altogether.
Signs of dehydration:
1. Headache
2. Dry lips and tongue
3. Weakness, dizziness, or extreme fatigue
4. Nausea
5. Muscle cramps
Signs of heat stroke:
1. High fever – over 105 degrees
2. Throbbing Headache
3. Lack of sweat
4. Rapid pulse
5. Red and dry skin
6. Dizziness, confusion
7. Nausea
8. Seizures
9. Unconsciousness
If you suspect that someone you know is suffering from heat stroke, call 911 immediately. Move the victim to a cooler area, loosen their clothing, and try to cool their body until help arrives.
PETS:
As temperatures rise, humans aren’t the only ones who need special attention to avoid getting burned. Our four-legged friends also need special care. Follow these tips to ensure your pet has a happy and healthy summer:
1. Never leave your pet in the car – Within minutes, the temperature in your car can rise to over 120 degrees. So if you have an errand to run, leave your pet at home where it’s cool.
2. Keep your pet well groomed. – Tangles in the hair can prevent the animals’ fur from protecting them from the elements.
3. Go slow with your animals: Don’t expect animals, especially very young or very old, or animals that are sick, to do too much in hot weather. Overexertion is dangerous for animals in the heat. Take leisurely walks and pay attention to your animal’s body language. If your animal begins to pant or appears lethargic, bring him inside immediately. Bring them inside whenever possible because even in the shade temperatures can rise to dangerous levels.
4. Sunscreen? – Yes it’s true. Animals can also use sunscreen. Your ears and nose are especially prone to sunburn and skin cancer, so apply some when you’re outdoors; They will be grateful to you.
Signs that your pet may be suffering from heat stroke:
1. panting
2. Staring
3. Anxious expression
4. Refusal to obey orders
5. Skin that is dry and warm to the touch
6. High fever
7. Rapid heartbeat
8. Vomiting Collapse
*If you think your pet has heat stroke, seek help immediately.
KEEP YOUR HOME COOL AND YOUR BILLS LOW:
Our bodies aren’t the only thing we need to stay cool during the summer. Electric bills skyrocket to gastronomic levels in the warmer months. There are things you can do to cool down your environment and save money on your next electric bill. And the good news is that most of these things are at no cost to you.
1. Close blinds and curtains, especially during the hottest part of the day. This keeps out direct sunlight and can cool your home by several degrees.
2.Remember to turn off household appliances when not in use, especially TVs, computers, and lights.
3.Avoid running your dishwasher or washer and dryer until the sun goes down. And try not to run them until you have a full charge.
4. Plant trees and leafy vines around your house. They act as a natural shading agent and can significantly cool your home.
5. Consider turning up the thermostat a few degrees when you’re not home. Also, be sure to check your air conditioner filter every year to make sure it’s working properly. Experts say that if you’ve had your AC unit for more than 12 years, it might be a good idea to consider upgrading to a newer, more energy-efficient model.
Additionally, agencies like Southern California Edison offer several plans to help offset increased rates during the summer months. One such example is the CARE program, which offers income-eligible families a 20 percent reduction on their monthly bills. You can also save 20 percent during the summer months by implementing the 20/20 plan. Simply use 20 percent less energy than the previous year during the months of June through October, and not only will you save on your regular bill each month, but Southern California Edison will give you a 20 percent credit on your statement October. Limitations apply, so be sure to contact Southern California Edison, either by phone or online, for more details. Unfortunately, these programs are not always available to consumers. So do some research yourself. Call your local utility companies or find them on the web and see how you can start saving today. Your pocket will appreciate the effort!
FOOD SAFETY:
Ah, it’s a beautiful summer day. You’d like to take your family on a trip to the beach, perhaps a picnic in the park, or even a hike in your own backyard. Here are some food tips from the Food and Drug Administration to make sure everyone enjoys the day:
1. Keep hands, food preparation surfaces, and utensils clean. – Consider using disposable wet wipes to keep your hands and surfaces clean instead of sponges or rags, which trap bacteria and can cause illness.
2. Rinse your fruits and vegetables well: Unless your produce is packaged and labeled “pre-washed” or “pre-rinsed,” it’s important to thoroughly wash your fruits and vegetables before packing. Fruits and vegetables with firm skin should be scrubbed with a vegetable brush under running water before eating.
3.Grilling – Always marinate food in the refrigerator and never reuse marinades as sauces. If you plan to use a marinade as a sauce for your food, reserve some in a separate container and do not mix it with the raw meat portion.
·Use separate, clean utensils and plates for serving cooked meats and seafood. Do not use the dishes and utensils that you used when handling raw meat.
·Cook the meat well. Here are some FDA guidelines:
-Lamb, beef and veal steaks and roasts: 145°F for medium rare, 160°F for medium rare and 170°F for medium rare.
-Ground beef and ground pork–160°F.
-Ground poultry (chicken, turkey, etc.)–165°F.
-Bird breasts–170°F.
-Whole bird (measure at thigh)–180°F.
-Fit fish–145°F or until meat separates easily with a fork and is opaque.
– Lobster, crabs and shrimp: the meat should be pearly and opaque.
-Clams, oysters and mussels–until the shells open.
It is safe to leave cooked food on the hot grill while you prepare the rest of the food. Simply push cooked food to the side so it’s away from coals or direct heat. This will prevent them from overcooking.
4. At temperatures above 90 degrees, food should not stand for more than one hour.
5. Keep cold foods cold as long as possible by placing them in coolers or on ice if they are in serving containers. And remember that perishable foods shouldn’t sit out for more than two hours.
6. Hot food must be kept hot (above 140 degrees). Wrapping them in aluminum foil and placing them in an insulated container will help keep them warm.
If you have any questions about food safety, you can call the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition’s Information and Outreach Center at 1-888-SAFEFOOD.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
Summer should be filled with all the things we love the most; watermelon juice dripping down our chins, roasted corn between our teeth, picnics on the sand or in the park, late nights and early mornings, and the warm wind caressing our cheeks. With a little knowledge, the warm summer months can be pleasant and refreshing. Yet every year tragedies occur in California and across the country. Please follow these imperative guidelines to ensure the safety of our children:
·Never allow your children to be alone in a vehicle. More than 19 deaths have been reported in 2005 alone due to children left behind in cars. Temperatures can quickly rise to over 120 degrees, causing brain damage and death. In 10 minutes, the temperature of a car rises by at least 19 degrees, and in half an hour, more than 34 degrees. If you must leave your vehicle at any time, please take your children with you, regardless of the season. It’s not just the “right” thing to do, it’s the law. Passed in memory of a six-year-old girl who died after being left in a minivan, Kaitlyn’s Law states that no child under the age of six can legally remain unsupervised in a vehicle.
·Do not allow your children to swim without the presence of an adult. The best lifesaver for your children is you, so be present and be aware. Every year, needless deaths occur because children are not supervised around water. It only takes a second for a child to drain, and it only takes an inch of water. Children drown in silence. Be aware of your surroundings and make it a healthy summer for the kids.
By following the tips above, we can all have a healthy and happy summer. So lather up the sunscreen, grab some loved ones and popsicles, and head somewhere cool. And don’t forget your camera!