How to make summer the best time of year

Summer safety

Keep safety first to make summer the best time of the year. (U.S. Air Force graphic by Senior Airman Kaylee Dubois)

JOINT-BASE SAN ANTONIO-Randolph, Texas --

Summertime and the livin’ is easy…mostly.

 

Summer is a favorite season for many, especially school-age children, living isn’t necessarily easy for those who fail to follow safety precautions.

 

Master Sgt. Jennifer Robles, 340th Flying Training Group safety representative, offers reminders to help you make this Independence Day, and the summer, more fun and safe.

 

“Here in Texas, especially, but everywhere, protection from the sun is important,” Robles reminds us. “There are several heat-related illnesses that can occur to people who are exposed to extreme heat, high humidity, or heavy exertion, including heat exhaustion or heat stroke.”

 

It is critical that people understand the difference and recognize the symptoms, Robles emphasized.

 

Heat exhaustion symptoms include feeling faint or dizzy, heavy sweating, cool, pale or clammy skin, nausea or vomiting, rapid, weak pulse and muscle cramps.

 

“If you have symptoms that indicate you are suffering from heat exhaustion, get into a cooler, air conditioned place, drink water, and take a cool shower or use cold compresses,” she said. “If your symptoms don’t ease, you should seek medical attention.”

 

Heat stroke symptoms include a throbbing headache, no sweating, high body temperature, red, hot, dry skin, nausea or vomiting, and a strong, rapid pulse. People suffering from heat stroke may also lose consciousness.

 

“Heat stroke is very dangerous, so we must all be ‘wingmen’ and help each other avoid situations that might lead to illness,” said the safety rep. “Keep an eye on your family, friends, coworkers during summer outings to ensure everyone hydrates, stays out of the worst heat of the day, takes breaks in a cool area, etc.”

 

In addition to summer heat, Independence Day activities may be dangerous and using common sense and following safety rules will help prevent the holiday from taking a tragic turn.

 

“Fireworks are a big culprit for summer injuries, so some basic rules should be applied: Don’t let children play with fireworks, don’t use fireworks around flammable materials, keep water nearby in case a spark causes a fire, keep your body, hands, arms, etc., away from the firework when lighting it, and finally, know and follow your local laws,” Robles advised.

 

Summer is a great time for fresh fruits and veggies, too, but food poisoning increases during the summer thanks to bacteria that grow quickly in warm, moist conditions.

 

“Simple tips will help prevent food-related illness,” said Robles. “Keep your food cold, use lots of ice or frozen gel packs to make sure your picnic foods stay at 40 degrees or below. Also, clean your produce, keep raw meat away from other food and wash, wash, wash your hands.”

 

The U.S. Food and Drug administration website (https://www.fda.gov/Food/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/ucm109899.htm) offers additional guidance on food safety, and the National Council on Fireworks Safety (http://www.fireworkssafety.org/safety-tips/) includes additional fireworks safety tips.

 

“You can make this summer the best time of the year by keeping safety first,” Robles said.